SEOUL - South Korea's head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, addressing the media on Monday, emphasized the need for caution and professionalism in the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Singapore and China. Despite South Korea's superior ranking and historical head-to-head records against these opponents, Klinsmann stressed the importance of taking every competitor seriously. South Korea, ranked No. 24 in the latest FIFA rankings, will face Singapore on Thursday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, followed by a match against China on November 21 at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre. Klinsmann warned against complacency, urging his team to maintain an aggressive mindset from the outset, especially against teams like Singapore, which are expected to adopt a defensive strategy.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the coach also highlighted the need for focus and quick action to secure early goals in the matches. The current format of the World Cup qualifiers involves 36 nations divided into nine groups, with the top teams progressing to the third round. The 2026 World Cup, with an expanded format of 48 nations, presents a different challenge, which Klinsmann acknowledges but does not see as an easier path to qualification. South Korea, a consistent participant in the World Cup since 1986, is also preparing for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup in January, where Klinsmann has set a clear goal of winning the tournament. He emphasized the importance of a strong mindset and the influence of key players like Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in, who play for top-tier clubs, in boosting the team's morale and performance.