WK League News

South Korea’s national team this week claimed victory at the qualifying tournament for the 2028 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, also known as the East Asian Cup. Despite being the defending champions, South Korea did not qualify automatically for the tournament due to their FIFA ranking.

So, Shin Sangwoo and a squad of 20 players headed to Guam, where they beat the hosts 5-0 and thrashed Macau 13-0 in the group stage to progress to a final against Chinese Taipei (Taiwan). The score was 2-2 at full time, and 3-3 halfway through extra time, but goals from Jang Selgi (Gyeongju KHNP) and Jung Yoojin (Incheon Hyundai) secured qualification for South Korea.

Five WK League players made their South Korea senior debut in the match against Guam: Kim Jihyun, Kim Jiyoon (Sejong Sportstoto); Park Yena (Mungyeong Sangmu); Jung Yoojin (Incheon Hyundai); Han Da-in, and Yoon Soojung (Suwon FC). Jang Yoobin, Jung Yoojin (Incheon) and Yoon Soojung also scored debut international goals at the preliminary tournament.

However, those appearances and goals will not be recognised as FIFA official, and the results will not affect the team’s FIFA ranking, as the tournament did not comply with the association’s rules regarding rest periods in between matches.