Singapore will face off against South Korea in a second-round World Cup qualifier on Nov. 16, a match where the Lions will enter as clear underdogs. R
Singapore will face off against South Korea in a second-round World Cup qualifier on Nov. 16, a match where the Lions will enter as clear underdogs. Ranked 26th globally, South Korea’s squad stands in stark contrast to Singapore, positioned at 157. Led by coach Jurgen Klinsmann, South Korea’s roster includes powerhouse players like Son Heung Min of Tottenham Hotspur, Lee Kang In of Paris Saint-Germain, Kim Min Jae of Bayern Munich, and Hwang Hee Chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Despite this difference, the South Korean team is preparing to face Singapore with full intensity. South Korea’s captain, Son Heung Min, highlighted this in a Nov. 15 press conference, noting the Lions have players who could challenge their side. “There’s no easy game, and we’re taking the game tomorrow as seriously as any other,” he said.
Klinsmann also stressed the importance of not underestimating Singapore and China, noting that every team poses a challenge. With only two historical losses to Singapore in 26 encounters, South Korea will still approach the game with caution. Singapore’s last win against South Korea was in 1968, and the most recent competitive meeting saw South Korea secure a 3-0 victory in 1989.
For Singapore, this qualifier follows a successful round against Guam, winning 3-1 over two legs. Now in the second round, the Lions will face formidable Group C opponents Thailand (ranked 112th) and China (ranked 79th). The top two teams from each group advance to the third round, with the 2026 World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in their sights.
COMMENTS