South Korea, seeking their third consecutive gold medal, have been drawn into Group E for the Asian Games men’s football tournament this year. The draw took place in Hangzhou, China, and South Korea will face Bahrain, Thailand, and Kuwait in the group stage.
A total of 23 nations will compete in the tournament, divided into six groups. Groups A, B, C, E, and F will consist of four teams each, while Group D will have three nations. The top two teams from each group, along with the four best runners-up, will advance to the knockout stage.
South Korea’s first match will be against Kuwait on September 19, followed by Thailand on September 21, and Bahrain on September 24. All three matches will be held at the Jinhua Sports Centre Stadium in Jinhua, which is located south of Hangzhou, the main host city.
South Korea’s men’s football team claimed gold at the Asian Games in both 2014 and 2018, and they will aim to continue their success in Hangzhou. The tournament was postponed from 2022 to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Korea will also participate in the competition and has been placed in Group F with Indonesia, Kyrgyzstan, and Chinese Taipei.
The Asian Games men’s football tournament has an age restriction, allowing only players under the age of 23 to participate. However, due to the one-year postponement, the age limit for the Hangzhou event has been increased to 24, with each team allowed three overage players.
In the women’s football tournament, South Korea has been drawn into Group E alongside Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Myanmar. A total of 17 teams will participate, with three teams in Groups A, B, and C, and four teams in Groups D and E. The top five group winners and the three best runners-up will advance to the quarterfinals.
South Korea’s women’s team will face Myanmar on September 22, the Philippines on September 25, and Hong Kong on September 28. All their matches will be played at the Wenzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium in Wenzhou, located south of Hangzhou.
The Asian Games, featuring a variety of sports, will take place from September 23 to October 8. The football tournaments usually begin before the opening ceremony due to scheduling constraints.
