Gangwon FC Writes Another Chapter in History: Sixth Overall Appearance in Final A, First Three-Consecutive-Year Streak Since Founding... Also Sets New Record for Most Appearances by a Provincial/City Club

*This content was translated by AI.View Original

Professional football club Gangwon FC has secured its first-ever qualification for the Final A stage for three consecutive seasons since its founding.

In a home match against Incheon United in Round 32 of the Hana Bank K League 1 2026 season, held at the GangneungHigh1 Resort Arena at 4:30 p.m. on the 18th, Gangwon FC drew 1-1.

With this result, Gangwon FC has recorded 11 wins, 14 draws, and 7 losses (47 points), securing its spot in the Final A stage—where the top six teams compete—regardless of the outcome of the final regular round match.

Gangwon FC has made the Final A list this year, following its appearances in 2024 and last year. The club achieved its first three-consecutive-year qualification for the Final A stage in its history, also tying the record for the most consecutive appearances by a provincial/city club.

The club's total number of Final A appearances has increased to six. Gangwon FC advanced to the upper split immediately upon promotion in 2017. It also placed among the top six teams in 2019 and 2022. Since then, it has continued its streak of qualifying for the Final A stage for three consecutive years from 2024 through this year.

The record for the most Final A appearances by a provincial/city club, set last year with five qualifications, was broken again in just one season as the club increased its total to six, setting a new self-record.

Gangwon FC Manager Jeong Kyung-ho wrote a new chapter in the history of the -affiliated club. Manager Jeong, who became the first head coach of Gangwon FC to lead the team to the Final A stage from his inaugural season last year, has now succeeded in qualifying for the Final A stage for two consecutive years through this season, adding another first-of-its-kind record to the club's history.

After contributing to the club's runner-up finish in K League 1 as head coach in 2024, he is now leading the team in a top-tier competition for two consecutive seasons as manager.

The timing of securing Final A qualification has also come earlier than last year. Last year, Gangwon FC secured its spot in the Final A stage with 44 points in Round 33, the final match of the regular round. This year, it secured 47 points in Round 32, with one match remaining, thereby alleviating even the pressure of the final game.

Manager Jeong Kyung-ho stated, "First and foremost, I am grateful to the many fans who have cheered us on passionately. I also want to express my gratitude to Club President Woo Sang-ho and Director Kim Byeong-ji (CEO)." He continued, "It is by no means easy for a provincial/city club to qualify for the Final A stage for three consecutive years. I feel a sense of pride that Gangwon FC has accomplished this feat."

He added, "Since we have created an opportunity to become an even better team, I will take responsibility as manager and lead the team's growth and development. I am sincerely grateful to the players who did their best from the preparation process through to the match. I also thank all members of Gangwon FC who joined forces with us."

Meanwhile, Gangwon FC is scheduled to play its final regular round match against FC Seoul at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 2:00 p.m. on the 24th.

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*This content was translated by AI.View Original