Could the Japanese scenario see them knock out South Korea and reach the quarterfinals? Japanese fans are also closely watching the possibility of the first-ever South Korea-Japan match in history.

*This content was translated by AI.

A first-ever South Korea-Japan match in World Cup history could take place. Japan is also paying close attention to this possibility.

The South Korean national team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo, currently sits second in Group A with one win and one loss (three points). Grouped with host nation Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa, South Korea started strongly by defeating Czechia 2-1 in the first match. However, in the second match against Mexico, despite a hard-fought battle, they lost 0-1. Mexico currently has two wins from two matches (six points), securing not only qualification from the group stage but also first place in the group.

Czechia and South Africa have each recorded one draw and one loss, currently occupying third and fourth place in Group A, respectively. South Korea will advance to the Round of 32 as the group's second-place team if they achieve at least a draw in their third group-stage match against South Africa on the 25th. Since the tiebreaker rule of head-to-head results applies in this tournament, even if South Korea draws against South Africa and Czechia defeats Mexico, the standings will not be reversed.

Japan is competing in Group F against the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Before the tournament, the group was dubbed the "Group of Death," with some predicting Japan's elimination, but Japan overturned those expectations with their performance. After drawing 2-2 with the tournament favorite Netherlands, Japan secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the second match.

As a result, Japan has recorded one win and one draw (four points), placing second in Group F. While Japan shares the same points as the Netherlands, they trail in goal difference. However, the gap is not significant. Japan still has a chance to finish first in the group. Japan will face Sweden in their third group-stage match on the 26th, while the Netherlands will play against Tunisia. The winner of Group F will be determined by the results of the final matches.

There is also a possibility that South Korea and Japan could face each other in the knockout stage, specifically in the Round of 16. If South Korea advances to the Round of 32 as the second-place team in Group A, they will face the second-place team from Group B. If Japan finishes first in Group F, they will meet the second-place team from Group C in the Round of 32. Should both teams win their Round of 32 matches, they would clash in the Round of 16. Earlier, Japanese local media outlets such as Football Channel also mentioned the possibility of a South Korea-Japan match.

For Japan, defeating South Korea in the Round of 16 and advancing to the quarterfinals would be the best outcome, both in terms of team morale and results.

Japanese media outlet Deans reported, "Fans are buzzing about Japan's World Cup Round of 16 scenario. Could the first-ever big match be realized?" They added, "Japanese fans' attention is already turning to the knockout tournament. Online, interest is gathering around the possibility of the first-ever big match in the Round of 16."

The media also explained that for a Round of 16 South Korea-Japan match to occur, Japan must finish first in Group F, win their Round of 32 match, and South Korea must finish second in Group A and also win their Round of 32 match. The report also highlighted reactions from Japanese soccer fans, including comments such as "It looks like it will be a heated match," "I really want to see a South Korea-Japan match at the World Cup," and "An anticipated game."

Of course, the Round of 32 is not an easy hurdle. South Korea is highly likely to face either co-host Canada or the "European dark horse" Switzerland in the Round of 32. Canada holds the home-field advantage, while Switzerland is a strong team ranked 19th in the FIFA rankings.

Japan's schedule is even more arduous. If Japan finishes first in Group F, they will face the second-place team from Group C in the Round of 32. Group C features the "eternal favorites" Brazil and the African powerhouse Morocco. Given the high likelihood that Brazil and Morocco will finish first and second in the group, Japan will have to go all out regardless of which team they face.

According to reports, Japanese soccer fans also showed a sober reaction. Opinions were voiced such as, "Before the South Korea-Japan match, Japan must defeat and beat teams of the world's strongest class," "It is quite difficult," and "The probability of a South Korea-Japan match being realized is around 5%."

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*This content was translated by AI.