The South Korean national team drew 1-1 with Oman at home.

The South Korean football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, faced Oman in the 7th match of Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asia Qualifiers on the night of the 20th at Goyang Stadium, resulting in a 1-1 tie.

As a result, South Korea recorded a total of 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws), maintaining first place in Group B.

This result leaves a sense of regret. If South Korea had secured 3 points in this match against Oman and also won against Jordan on the 25th, they could have confirmed their qualification for the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time ahead of the matches against Iraq and Kuwait in June. However, due to the result of this match, they now have to wait until the A matches in June.

In this match, South Korea adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jumin-kyu positioned himself at the forefront, while Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan lined up in the attacking midfield. Baek Seung-ho and Park Yong-woo protected the back four, while Lee Tae-seok, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Yu-min, and Seol Young-woo formed the defensive line. The goalkeeping duties were handled by Jo Hyun-woo.

Oman also adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation. Issam Al Sabhi aimed for a goal, while Abdul Al Mashfi and Ali Al Busaidi, as well as Yamil Al Yahmadi, lined up in the attacking midfield. Abdullah Fawaz and Said Al Alawi filled the midfield, while Al Rushaydi, Khalid Al Bhraiki, Ahmed Al Kamishi, and Abdullah Al Harthi formed the back four. The goalkeeping duties were handled by Ibrahim Al Mukaini.

In the first half, South Korea increased its ball possession while aiming for a goal. Seol Young-woo and Hwang Hee-chan, stationed on the right flank, disrupted the defense and passed the ball to Son Heung-min, who moved centrally to penetrate the defense.

Oman was not idle either. With a quick counterattack, Al Sabhi broke through the defense once and created a threatening chance.

In the 22nd minute of the first half, Son Heung-min caught the ball on the left side, lured the opposing defense, and passed it to Park Yong-woo, who sent the ball into the box but it was blocked by the defense.

South Korea swallowed its disappointment. In the 35th minute of the first half, a cross delivered by Baek Seung-ho headed toward the box, and the attackers jumped to header it, but the goalkeeper managed to clear it with his hands.

Then, South Korea faced a setback as Baek Seung-ho got injured during a challenge, and they substituted Lee Kang-in in the 38th minute of the first half.

South Korea scored the opening goal. In the 41st minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in made a quick pass to Hwang Hee-chan, who was penetrating, and he caught the ball in the box and shot it into the net, giving South Korea a 1-0 lead. Struggling to find shooting opportunities, South Korea was relieved by Hwang Hee-chan's goal.

Three minutes of stoppage time were added to the first half. Just before the end of the first half, Son Heung-min had a sharp free kick, but it was saved. The first half concluded with South Korea leading 1-0.

Immediately at the start of the second half, South Korea substituted Jumin-kyu, bringing in Oh Se-hoon in a bid for change.

In the second half, South Korea quickly created several opportunities. Compared to the first half, there were more aggressive passes, and threatening movements were generated near Oman's goal.

In the 12th minute of the second half, Oman also eyed a chance. A cross was delivered from the right flank, but Kwon Kyung-won cleared it with a powerful header.

In the 18th minute of the second half, South Korea substituted the opening goal scorer Hwang Hee-chan and brought in Bae Jun-ho.

South Korea sought a second goal. In the 27th minute of the second half, Lee Tae-seok, who caught the ball in the area in front of the box, made a long-range shot, but it went wide of the goal.

There was also a crisis. In the 30th minute of the second half, Oman's aggressive pass slipped behind the defense to Moussain Al Gasani, who surged rapidly toward the goal. He then delivered a cross, but it was inaccurate, and the chance was lost.

South Korea conceded a goal. In the 35th minute of the second half, they allowed a goal from Al Busaidi, resulting in South Korea, which was leading 1-0, now being balanced out at 1-1.

Immediately after, South Korea made a substitution. Lee Kang-in, who had collapsed in pain during Oman's goal scene, could not get back up. In the 37th minute of the second half, they called Lee Kang-in back to the bench and brought in forward Oh Hyun-kyu. Lee Kang-in was carried off. Lee Tae-seok also went to the bench, and Yang Hyun-jun was substituted in.

In stoppage time of the second half, South Korea continued to aim for a goal, but ultimately could not score the winning goal, and the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

[OSEN]