In June 2009, South Korea had already secured their spot in the World Cup when Iran came to Seoul for a qualifier that ended in a dramatic 1-1 draw, thanks to a late goal from Park Ji-sung. That strike wasn’t just celebrated in the South; it also sparked excitement in Riyadh, where the North Korean team watched from their hotel, knowing they now only needed a draw against Saudi Arabia to qualify. Striker Jong Tae-se later called it “the best-ever assist” for North Korea, as the team managed a 0-0 draw and punched their ticket to South Africa, bringing joy to both Pyongyang and Seoul.
The qualification campaign had its emotional moments, like a tense 0-0 draw in Shanghai in 2008, where despite the usual lackluster action in a Korea derby, fans gave Park and his teammates a warm reception. Even some of the cynical Chinese journalists present got caught up in the moment, imagining a day when such gestures might be possible between China and Taiwan.
At that time, Jong’s teammate Ahn Yong-hak played for the K-League’s Suwon Bluewings, a club owned by Samsung and symbolic of South Korea’s capitalist culture. A few years later, Jong himself would join the Bluewings, enjoying three solid seasons and becoming a popular figure in the South. However, tensions were never far from the surface; the 2008 match was held in Shanghai because North Korea refused to fly South Korea’s flag or play their anthem in Pyongyang, and later, the Northern coach accused the South of poisoning his players after a 1-0 defeat in Seoul.
Fast forward to today, and the chances of joint celebrations if both Koreas qualify for the 2026 World Cup seem remote. Just hours before North Korea’s recent qualifier, they demolished the roads linking the two countries, a stark symbol of how frosty relations have become. North Korea’s hopes for 2026 are also fading; they lost 1-0 to Kyrgyzstan, dropping to the bottom of the group. With Asia’s expanded World Cup spots, they needed a win to stay in contention, but even with the advantage during the game, they failed to capitalize.
Meanwhile, South Korea is on track for its 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, trailing only behind Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Spain. The road hasn’t been without its issues, including a FIFA warning to the Korea FA about government interference. After a disappointing stint under Jürgen Klinsmann, the national team bounced back with a 2-0 win in Jordan and a 3-2 victory over Iraq, putting them in a solid position atop Group B.
Elsewhere in Asia, Japan remains in control of Group C despite a 1-1 draw with Australia, while China managed a much-needed 2-1 victory over Indonesia, keeping their slim hopes alive. Amid tough times, even a glimmer of hope can mean a lot, both on and off the field.