The Hong Myung-bo team is tightly contesting against Jordan amid disappointing mistakes.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, is facing Jordan in the 8th match of Group B in the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) North and Central America World Cup Asian qualifying third round, held at Suwon World Cup Stadium on the afternoon of the 25th at 8 p.m. The score is currently 1-1 at half-time.

South Korea missed a good opportunity, drawing 1-1 with Oman on the 20th. They could not hold onto Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal at the end of the first half. By only adding 1 point at home, South Korea is maintaining an unstable first place in the group with 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws), just 3 points ahead of second place Jordan and third place Iraq (both with 12 points).

The national team aimed to confirm early qualification for the main tournament for the 11th consecutive time in this two-home game series, but the draw against Oman thwarted that goal. They now face the possibility of losing the top spot to Jordan or Iraq. If South Korea loses to Jordan that day, the rankings could be reversed.

Moreover, an injury crisis has emerged. Kim Min-jae could not join due to an Achilles injury, and Jeong Seung-hyun got injured in his calf during training. Additionally, Baek Seung-ho and Lee Kang-in collapsed consecutively during the match against Oman. Jeong Seung-hyun, Baek Seung-ho, and Lee Kang-in have all been released from the squad and are unable to play.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo, who desperately needs a victory, rolled the dice. Captain Son Heung-min was placed at the forefront of the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung, and Lee Dong-gyeong forming the second line. Park Yong-woo and Hwang In-beom supported from behind, and Lee Tae-seok, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Yoo-min, and Seol Young-woo made up the defense. Jo Hyeon-woo guarded the goal.

Jordan responded with a 3-4-3 formation. Mahmoud Al-Mardi, Yazan Al-Naimat, and Mousa Al-Tamari, Mohanad Abu Taha, Nizar Al-Rashid, Amer Jamous, and Ehsan Haddad, and Mohamed Abu Al-Nadi, Yazan Al-Arab, Abdallah Nashif, and Yazid Abu Rahlila completed the starting lineup.

A welcome opening goal came early in the match. The protagonist was Lee Jae-sung. In the 5th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min delivered a sharp corner kick from the left, which Lee Jae-sung finished with a left-footed shot. This marks another opening goal against Jordan for Lee Jae-sung, following his goal in the away match in October last year.

South Korea threatened the Jordan defense with front pressure and proactive movements. Hwang In-beom's long pass and Hwang Hee-chan's individual breakthrough on the left side stood out after overcoming injuries. In the 12th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min delivered another sharp corner kick. Jo Yoo-min connected with a header, but it slightly went over the goalpost.

Jordan countered. In the 13th minute of the first half, Al-Naimat dribbled through the defense with both feet and entered the box, aiming for the goal with a right-footed shot. Fortunately, the shot veered off to the right.

Jordan equalized. In the 30th minute of the first half, Park Yong-woo lost the ball at midfield, giving up a counter-attack opportunity. Al-Naimat surged through the center, and Al-Tamari fired a threatening left-footed shot. Although Jo Hyeon-woo blocked the first shot, the loose ball was connected by Al-Mardi with a turn shot, shaking the net. It deflected off a defender, leaving Jo Hyeon-woo with no chance.

It was a scene reminiscent of the defeat a year ago. South Korea was blocked by Jordan in the semifinals of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup held in Qatar last February. At that time, Park Yong-woo's mistake also became the cause of conceding a goal, ultimately losing 0-2.

South Korea missed a good opportunity. In the 37th minute of the first half, Son Heung-min delivered a forward pass to Hwang Hee-chan, who was penetrating behind the defense. Hwang Hee-chan attempted a chip shot, but it was blocked by the rushing goalkeeper. In the subsequent corner kick attack, Hwang In-beom connected with a second ball shot, but it sailed high. The first half ended with a score of 1-1.

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