Highlights and Best Moments, Kuwait 1-3 South Korea LIVE Score Updates in Asian Qualifiers 2026

Pre-Match

South Korea, ranked 28th in the FIFA World Rankings, were the heavy favorites going into the match against Kuwait, who were ranked 146th. South Korea had won their previous two matches in the Asian Qualifiers, while Kuwait had lost both of their matches.

The match was played at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium in Kuwait City, Kuwait. The stadium was filled to capacity with over 60,000 fans in attendance.

The starting lineups for both teams were as follows:

• Kuwait: Al-Khaldi, Al-Rashidi, Al-Fahad, Al-Mutawa, Al-Enezi, Al-Dhafeeri, Al-Dhefiri, Al-Harbi, Al-Zaid, Al-Mutai, Al-Musawi
• South Korea: Kim Seung-gyu, Kim Min-jae, Kim Young-gwon, Hwang In-beom, Son Heung-min, Hwang Ui-jo, Hwang Hee-chan, Jung Woo-young, Lee Kang-in, Na Sang-ho, Kwon Chang-hoon

First Half

South Korea started the match brightly and took the lead in the 12th minute when Hwang Ui-jo scored a stunning goal from outside the box. Kuwait equalized in the 26th minute through a penalty kick by Bader Al-Mutawa.

The rest of the first half was evenly contested, with both teams having chances to score. South Korea had the better chances, but they were unable to convert them.

Second Half

South Korea came out strong in the second half and took the lead again in the 56th minute when Hwang Hee-chan scored a header from a cross by Son Heung-min.

Kuwait pushed for an equalizer, but South Korea defended resolutely and held on to their lead. South Korea added a third goal in the 80th minute when Lee Kang-in scored a breakaway goal.

Full Time

South Korea won the match 3-1 and moved to the top of Group A in the Asian Qualifiers. Kuwait remained in fifth place in the group.

Highlights

• Hwang Ui-jo's stunning goal from outside the box
• Son Heung-min's assist for Hwang Hee-chan's header
• Lee Kang-in's breakaway goal in the 80th minute

Best Moments

• The atmosphere at the Jaber Al-Ahmad International Stadium
• The passion of the Kuwaiti fans
• The skill of the South Korean players

Post-Match

South Korea coach Paulo Bento was pleased with his team's performance. "We played well and created a lot of chances," he said. "We deserved to win the match."

Kuwait coach Abdullah Mishari was disappointed with his team's performance. "We didn't play well today," he said. "We made too many mistakes and we were punished by South Korea."

South Korea's next match in the Asian Qualifiers is against Lebanon on March 24, 2023. Kuwait's next match is against Malaysia on March 29, 2023.