According to FIFA on June 27, South Korea, under coach Hong Myung-bo, concluded the group stage with one win and two losses, earning three points. The tournament has expanded to 48 teams, with the top two teams from each of the 12 groups and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32.
Germany secured the top spot in Group E, while Belgium topped Group G, meaning if South Korea qualifies for the Round of 32, they will face Belgium in Seattle on July 2. They will avoid a potential matchup against Germany.
However, South Korea's chances of advancing have significantly decreased. Currently, they rank eighth among the third-placed teams, and for them to qualify, the third-placed teams from Groups J, K, and L must perform worse than South Korea in their matches on June 28.
The scenarios are complex. In Group J, Austria must defeat Algeria, or Algeria must win by two goals or more. In Group K, the Democratic Republic of the Congo must not win against Uzbekistan. In Group L, Ghana must beat Croatia for South Korea to maintain an advantage in the competition for third place.
Statistical firm Opta has adjusted South Korea's chances of advancing to the Round of 32 from 87.76% on June 25 to 53.24% on June 26, and further down to 31.51% on June 27. Similarly, the American sports media outlet The Athletic has lowered South Korea's chances from 94% to 44% during the same period.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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