WK League News

Round 3 continues this afternoon following wins for Incheon Hyundai and Seoul City last night. Here’s a quick look to Saturday’s fixtures.

Gyeongju KHNP vs. Gangjin Swans

14:00, Saturday 18th April
Pitch 3, Gyeongju Football Park

Gyeongju KHNP and Gangjin Swans have both started their season with back-to-back defeats, making this a battle to escape the bottom of the league. Given how early it is in the season, a good result could see either team jump to mid-table, and give them some upward momentum ahead of the return of some key players who are currently in Brazil with the national team. Gyeongju have the home advantage in their first meeting with the Swans, but they have been beaten twice at home already this season, giving away opportunities through lapses in concentration and failing to convert their own chances at the other end of the field.

The Swans will be hopeful that they, too, can deliver an upset in Gyeongju this afternoon, as the phoenix club looks to escape the 8th place curse of its forerunner, Changnyeong WFC. Gangjin are the only side yet to score this season, so a goal or two could really help with confidence, plus whoever manages it would have the lifelong honour of being the first ever player to score for Gangjin Swans. The absence of Son Hwayeon and Song Jae-eun will be felt, but with three former KHNP players who know their opponents well, Gangjin could fancy their chances to pick up at least a point today.

Hwacheon KSPO vs. Mungyeong Sangmu

14:00, Saturday 18th April
Hwacheon Sports Park

Also this afternoon, defending champions Hwacheon KSPO host Mungyeong Sangmu, the only team yet to concede in the 2026 WK League after Incheon let one in against Suwon last night. KSPO were almost undefeated at home last season, so Kang Sunmi’s side will be keen to establish a similar record this year. After a 2-0 home win against Gangjin on opening weekend, Hwacheon lost away at Suwon last week, only by a narrow margin, but without taking a single shot. As KSPO look to shake off any concerns about a shaky start, they are missing defenders Lee Minhwa and Choi Mina for international duty, and Mun Eunju is still out with an injury picked up at the Asian Cup. The side is at less than full strength, and while they should have enough core squad members left to handle Mungyeong, the visitors will be ready to take advantage if they can.

The military side have started their season with two consecutive 1-0 wins, first away at Sejong, then at home against Gangjin. A win against Hwacheon would be huge for Mungyeong, and could see them go to the top of the table, although they would need to win by a significant margin to leapfrog Incheon Hyundai. As other teams find their feet in the new season, still figuring out their optimum lineups and tactics, Sangmu have momentum, helped by their relative lack of squad turnover. This is a clash between two of the most hard-working, physical sides in the WK League, and while the odds may tip in the home side’s favour, the visitors will make them run for it.