The South Korean national football team defeated Iraq to secure a spot in the 2026 North-Central America World Cup, achieving their 11th consecutive World Cup finals appearance. Led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, the team triumphed 2-0 in an away match on June 5 during the FIFA World Cup Asian third-round qualifiers, Group B, 9th match, held in Iraq.

With an Iraqi player sent off in the first half, second-half goals from Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai) and Oh Hyeon-gyu (Genk) sealed the victory. With 5 wins and 4 draws (19 points), Korea maintained their group lead, clinching a World Cup finals ticket regardless of the outcome of their final 10th match. Kim Jin-kyu (second from the left), who scored the opening goal, is seen celebrating with teammates.