In a disappointing turn of events, the South Korean national football team faced Oman on March 20, 2025, in the third round of the 2026 North American World Cup Asian Qualifiers, ultimately ending in a 1-1 draw at the Goyang Sports Complex. The match left coach Hong Myung-bo and his players grappling with missed opportunities as they aimed to secure their spot in the World Cup finals.
Despite dominating the game initially and taking the lead in the 41st minute through a stunning pass from Lee Kang-in, which set up Hwang Hee-chan for the opening goal, the South Korean team saw their lead slip away in the second half. Hwang's well-placed left-footed shot appeared to signal a turning point, pushing Korea ahead as they finished the first half on a high note, but a second-half equalizer by Oman's Ali Al-Busaidi thwarted their efforts.
Coach Hong expressed disappointment after the match, stating, “I can say that today was the worst performance during the final qualifiers,” reflecting on the challenges that the team faced both tactically and due to player injuries. Out of the gate, the team struggled significantly against the tightly packed defense of Oman, which could be attributed to the absence of crucial players.
The absence of playmaker Hwang In-beom due to injury severely impacted the team's offensive structure. Hong had excluded Hwang from the squad list, citing concerns over his recovery from ongoing ailments, and Baek Seung-ho was brought in to take his place as a creative midfielder. However, Baek suffered an injury just before half-time, prompting Hong to substitute in Lee Kang-in, who displayed his creativity almost immediately.
Statistically, Korea dominated possession but failed to convert their chances. With 15 points from 4 wins and 3 draws, the team kept their position at the top of the group, but the expectations of securing two victories in this doubleheader and confirming their World Cup spot hit a roadblock. Oman, sitting at 80th in the FIFA rankings, put up a determined fight, earning a crucial point that nonetheless leaves them outside the qualification picture.
During the match, the South Korean squad lined up in a 5-4-1 formation against Oman's 5-back defense. They found it increasingly difficult to penetrate, with only a few clear-cut opportunities to shoot. Lee Kang-in's performance shone brightly amid adversity, as he indeed played a pivotal role in breaking through Oman's defenses.
However, the match turned for the worse when, leading 1-0, Lee Kang-in went down injured following a challenge by an opponent in the 34th minute of the second half, straining a left ankle. This unfortunate event coincided with Oman's equalizer, as they capitalized on a moment of disarray in the Korean defense. Soon after, Al-Busaidi's shot found the back of the net, leaving South Korea to rue another missed opportunity to secure a clear path to the World Cup.
Looking ahead, coach Hong's squad must regroup quickly. With the next fixture against Jordan—currently sitting with 9 points—on March 25, the pressure mounts to deliver a compelling performance amidst growing concerns about player fitness and injury crises, particularly as they face a critical juncture in the qualifiers.
As fans rallied behind the team, cheering “Daehanminguk!” (대한민국) in hopes of a comeback, it is clear that resolve and resilience will be necessary traits in the upcoming matches. Coach Hong noted, “The players gave their best,” and emphasized the importance of adapting quickly in order to overcome injuries and selections woes moving forward.
The road to the World Cup remains open but fraught with challenges, and the players' spirits will need lifting to achieve the goal. The South Korean football community remains hopeful that the next match will turn the tide in their favor.
