In a thrilling matchup for the FIFA World Cup 2026 North-Central America Asian Final Qualifiers, South Korea faced off against Jordan on March 25, 2025, in a stadium filled with passionate supporters. The match, which kicked off at 20:00 Japan time, was pivotal for both teams as they vied for crucial points in Group B of the qualifiers.
South Korea got off to an excellent start, with Lee Jae-sung scoring the opening goal just five minutes into the match. Using a left-footed shot, he converted a well-placed corner kick delivered by Son Heung-min, causing the home crowd to erupt in cheers of "Teuhaminkuk!" (大韓民国). This early goal set a high expectation for South Korea, who was determined to maintain their leading position in the group.
However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 30th minute when Jordan equalized. Forward Mafumood Al Mardi skillfully controlled a floating ball with his back to the goal before turning and launching a precise shot that left the South Korean defense stunned. The stadium, which had previously been filled with the sound of jubilant supporters, fell eerily silent as Jordan celebrated their equalizer.
The first half showcased fierce competition between the two teams, with South Korea holding the top position in Group B with 15 points, while Jordan trailed closely behind with 12 points. The stakes were high: South Korea faced potential risks of dropping to third place depending on the outcome of this and other matches, specifically if Iraq managed to secure a victory against Palestine.
South Korea's coach, Hong Myung-bo, had expressed optimism prior to the match. Speaking at a pre-game press conference, he stated, “We want to finish well. I expect all aspects of our play to improve compared to the first match. I am confident we have fresh players and that teamwork will be crucial.” Despite injuries sidelining key players like Lee Kang-in and Paik Seung-ho, Hong remained hopeful about his team's capabilities.
The match reflected the fierce rivalry between South Korea and Jordan, with South Korea having previously won the away match against Jordan 2-0 in October 2024 but suffered a disappointing 0-2 loss in the Asian Cup semi-final only months earlier in February 2025. This history added an extra layer of pressure to the match, as the South Korean squad recognized that this was a game they “absolutely cannot lose.”
As the game progressed, both teams battled fiercely for possession, with numerous scoring opportunities presenting themselves for each side. Despite South Korea's initial lead, Jordan's equalizer underscored their persistent threat on the field. South Korean fans, who had shown unwavering support, couldn't help but feel the tension as the game remained tied.
In the end, this match was not just a representation of the two teams’ competitiveness but also a reflection of their journey through the World Cup qualifiers. With only a few matches remaining, each point is invaluable, and the fans are left on edge as they cheer on their teams.
As the match unfolded, South Korea and Jordan put forth their best efforts, showcasing their skill, determination, and resolve. The fans, both in the stadium and watching at home through broadcasts on DAZN, anxiously awaited the outcome, knowing that the World Cup dreams of their respective nations hung in the balance.
The final whistle blew with no additional goals scored, leaving the match at a tense draw, a result that neither team was entirely satisfied with, especially given the implications for their ongoing campaigns in the qualifiers. The heated atmosphere of the stadium reflected the fierce loyalty and passion of the supporters, ensuring that this encounter would remain memorable in the annals of World Cup history.
