When it comes to Asian teams at the World Cup, no nation has matched South Korea’s consistency and success. Including the 2026 tournament in North America, the Taegeuk Warriors will be making their 12th appearance—four more than closest rival Japan—while their fourth-place finish as hosts in 2002 remains the best performance by any Asian side. Replicating that feat may be a tall order this summer, but a favorable group featuring Mexico, South Africa and Czechia—solid yet beatable opponents—combined with a smooth qualifying campaign has fueled quiet optimism that Hong Myung-bo’s side can make an impact. The Road to the World Cup Qualification record : 11W-0L-5D Goals for / against:  40 / 8 Top scorer:  Son Heung-min (10) Assist leader:  Lee Kang-in (6) South Korea eased through qualifying, advancing across two group stages without losing a single match. Hong’s side won 11 of its 16 games and drew the remaining five, making them the only team on the continent to qualify unbeaten.…