World Cup: South Korea near qualification as Uzbekistan chase history
Draws against Iraq and the UAE will be enough for South Korea and Uzbekistan, respectively, to reach the 2026 edition
Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in – fresh off European trophy wins – aim to lead South Korea to the World Cup, with four remaining automatic spots from Asia up for grabs.
Japan and Iran have already sealed their berths at the tournament next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
South Korea are guaranteed to join them on Thursday if they avoid defeat against Iraq in Basra. Even if they lose, they will have another opportunity at home to Kuwait next Tuesday in Group B.
South Korea and Spurs captain Son did not have his best club season, but the 32-year-old attacker finished it off by lifting the Europa League trophy.
International teammate Lee collected a Champions League winner’s medal with Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday after they thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in Munich, although he remained on the bench for the final.
