Portugal vs South Korea: World Cup head-to-head record
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South Korea hold a perfect World Cup head-to-head record against Portugal, winning both of their two meetings across the tournament's history. Portugal have never beaten South Korea at a World Cup, with no draws either — South Korea took all six available points across 2002 and 2022.
The record is a surprising one given Portugal's status as a European heavyweight, but both results came in Group Stage settings where South Korea delivered famous upsets to claim maximum points against Cristiano Ronaldo's nation.
All-Time World Cup Head-to-Head Summary
Across every World Cup from 1930 to 2022, Portugal and South Korea have met twice — and South Korea have won on both occasions. It is one of the more remarkable bilateral records in World Cup history: a nation that has never lifted the trophy holding a 100% win rate against a side that reached the final in 2022 and has consistently been among Europe's elite. Portugal's only consolation is that both defeats came in the group stage, meaning elimination was not always the direct consequence.
Every World Cup Meeting
| Year | Stage | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Group Stage (Matchday 3) | Portugal 0–1 South Korea | South Korea |
| 2022 | Group Stage (Matchday 3) | South Korea 2–1 Portugal | South Korea |
Context Behind the Results
The 2002 meeting was particularly damaging for Portugal — held at home in co-hosts South Korea and Japan, the 0–1 defeat contributed to Portugal's shock group-stage elimination. The 2022 encounter in Qatar followed a different script: Portugal had already qualified for the Round of 16 and rotated their squad, allowing South Korea to score twice and snatch a dramatic late winner through Hwang Hee-chan. Both teams advanced from that group, but South Korea's second successive win over Portugal cemented their remarkable hold over this fixture. Fans heading into 2026 can track any potential third meeting and follow live scores on Bola 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Have Portugal ever beaten South Korea at the World Cup?
No. Portugal have never beaten South Korea in a World Cup match. In their two meetings — 2002 and 2022 — South Korea won both times, making their head-to-head record against Portugal a perfect two from two.
When did Portugal and South Korea last play each other at the World Cup?
The most recent World Cup meeting was at the 2022 tournament in Qatar, where South Korea beat Portugal 2–1 in a Group Stage match on Matchday 3. Hwang Hee-chan's late goal secured the South Korean win.
Will Portugal and South Korea meet at the 2026 World Cup?
There is no confirmed fixture between Portugal and South Korea at the 2026 World Cup yet. Group stage draws determine matchups, so whether they meet again depends on the official draw. Check the 2026 group stage schedule once the draw is finalised.