With this year's expanded 48-team tournament split into 12 groups hosted by three countries - Canada, Mexico, and the U.S., the top two finishers from each group advance to the knockout stage, along with the eight best third-placed teams based on points earned and goal difference.
South Korea, which finished third in its group after losing to South Africa in its final group-stage match in Monterrey in northeastern Mexico earlier this week, is now relying on luck to continue its World Cup run in the U.S.
South Korea, grouped with the Czech Republic, also known as Czechia, Mexico and South Africa, finished third after losing to South Africa in its final group-stage match in Mexico City earlier this week and is now hoping for luck to advance as one of the eight best third-placed finishers.
Having earned three points from one win and two defeats, South Korea currently ranks sixth among the 12 third-placed teams with its fate to be determined by the results of the remaining group-stage matches, which will be wrapped up this weekend.
But the chances were further dimmed after Paraguay finished in third place in its group with four points following a goalless draw with Australia.
Should South Korea manage to advance to the round of 32, it would face either Germany in Boston, Massachusetts or the winner of the group consisting of Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand in Seattle, Washington next week.
Meanwhile, South Korean footballers returned to their base camp in Guadalajara in western Mexico, and held a warm-up training session as they wait for what comes next.
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