Anticipation is building as South Korea prepares to face Paraguay in an international friendly on Tuesday. The match will take place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, a crucial part of both teams’ preparations for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
Match Preview
South Korea, known as the Taegeuk Warriors, recently qualified for the World Cup by finishing top of Group B in the AFC qualifiers. This summer’s tournament may mark a significant moment for forward Son Heung-min, who is expected to make one final World Cup appearance. The last time South Korea progressed beyond the round of 16 was in 2002, when they co-hosted the tournament.
However, recent performances have raised concerns. South Korea managed only one victory in their last four matches, defeating the United States 2-0 in September. In stark contrast, they suffered a 5-0 defeat to Brazil in their latest outing, where they only registered one shot on target. The team aims to regain confidence at home after losing their last two matches without scoring.
Paraguay’s Current Form
Paraguay is entering this match with a strong momentum. Under coach Gustavo Alfaro, they secured a spot in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, finishing sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Their record includes seven wins, seven draws, and only four losses, demonstrating solid form throughout the campaign.
Since July 2024, Paraguay has lost only once in their last 13 matches, showcasing resilience and defensive strength. Following a narrow defeat to Brazil, they maintained clean sheets against Ecuador and Peru before drawing 2-2 with Japan, where they twice took the lead.
Team News
In terms of team selection, South Korea’s coach is likely to field a strong lineup. Son Heung-min will lead the attack, supported by wingers Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung. In midfield, Hwang In-Beom may partner Paik Seung-ho, while a defensive trio should include Cho Yu-min, Kim Min-jae, and Kim Ju-sung, complemented by wing-backs Seol Young-woo and Lee Tae-seok.
For Paraguay, center-back Gustavo Gomez and Omar Alderete are set to feature, although Fabian Balbuena will miss the match due to injury. Attacking contributions will come from Diego Gonzalez and Miguel Almiron, supporting striker Antonio Sanabria. In midfield, Damian Bobadilla and Andres Cubas are likely to play key roles.
Projected Lineups
| South Korea | Paraguay |
|---|---|
| Jo Hyeon-woo | Fernandez |
| Seol Young-woo | Caceres |
| Cho Yu-min | Gomez |
| Kim Min-jae | Alderete |
| Kim Ju-sung | Alonso |
| Lee Tae-seok | Bobadilla |
| Hwang In-Beom | Cubas |
| Paik Seung-ho | Gonzalez |
| Lee Jae-sung | Diego Gomez |
| Lee Kang-in | Almiron |
| Son Heung-min | Sanabria |
Match Prediction
This clash is critical for South Korea as they seek to bounce back from their recent setback. Despite their struggles at home, they are expected to put forth a determined effort. Paraguay’s typical resilience suggests they will be a challenging opponent. A balanced matchup may result in a draw; a 1-1 scoreline seems plausible.
