Fitness Factors Stop Four South Korean Anniversary Victorys In 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

South Korea drew against Palestine in the sixth match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round (Instagram/@thekfa).

JAKARTA - South Korea only won a 1-1 draw against Palestine on the sixth matchday of Group B of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round, Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at the Amman International Stadium, Jordan.

The result was clearly disappointing for Taegeuk Warriors for stopping their four consecutive wins in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

"It's very regrettable that we ended in a draw. Our players gave everything until the end," said South Korean manager Hong Myung-bo.

Hong said that fitness was a factor for his troops not being able to display the best performance.

In the two 2026 World Cup Qualification matches, South Korea was played away to Kuwait and against Palestine. This, according to Hong, made the players exhausted.

"We had physical difficulties while playing in two away games. The players looked tired in the second half."

"This is our last game of the year. I feel sorry for the fans for not winning," Hong said on the AFC website.

The result of the series against Palestine is the second. Previously, South Korea also drew 0-0 when they hosted Palestine at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 5, 2024, aka the group's first match.

Judging from these results, Hong Myung-bo, who was appointed manager in July 2024, promised to make South Korea different in next year's 2026 World Cup Qualification match.

"Looking at today's game, there are a few things we need to improve. When I return to South Korea, I will remember everything."

"I tried hard to produce a good performance when the qualification continued in March 2025," said Hong again.

South Korea still has four remaining matches in the Third Round of 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

They will play home in two March 2025 matches against Oman and Jordan. Furthermore, the remaining two matches will be played away from Iraqi and Kuwaiti contracts in June 2025.