If the Hong Myung-bo squad manages a dramatic advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, they will avoid the "German Tank" and instead face the winner of Group G in Seattle, Washington, USA.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, finished the group stage in third place in Group A with a record of 1 win and 2 losses (3 points).

In this tournament, which features 48 nations, not only the top two teams from each of the 12 groups but also the eight best third-place teams can advance to the Round of 32.

Having failed to secure a spot in the Round of 32 on their own, South Korea is currently waiting for the results of the remaining groups to see if they can join the knockout stage as one of the third-place teams.

According to the tournament bracket, the third-place team from Group A will face either the winner of Group E in Boston, USA, on June 30, or the winner of Group G (Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand) in Seattle, USA, on July 2.

Germany has been confirmed as the winner of Group E.

According to FIFA on June 27, Germany's opponent in the Round of 32 has been confirmed as Paraguay, the third-place team from Group D.

Consequently, if South Korea advances to the Round of 32, they are set to head to Seattle.

This allows them to avoid Germany and gain more time for preparation.

(Photo: Yonhap News)