"Great Viewing Times for Korea" — All World Cup Matches Scheduled for Morning; 10 a.m. ‘Fateful Kickoff’ Confirmed

[Financial News] With the announcement of the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals schedule, it has been confirmed that the Korean national football team will play all of its group stage matches in the morning, Korea Standard Time. FIFA revealed the group stage match times on the 7th (KST), and as Korea was placed in Group A with Mexico, the Republic of South Africa, and the UEFA Play-off Path D Winner, all three matches will kick off between 10 and 11 a.m. Korea time.
This is partly due to the group allocation, which has Group A playing exclusively in Mexico. However, for the Korean squad, this presents a significant challenge, requiring both adaptation to the time difference and careful management of physical condition.
According to the schedule released a day after the draw, Korea’s first match will take place at 11 a.m. on June 12 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, facing the UEFA Play-off Path D Winner (which will be determined among Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, and Ireland). The second match is set for 10 a.m. on June 19 at the same venue against host nation Mexico. The final group match will be held at 10 a.m. on June 25 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, where Korea will play the Republic of South Africa.
With all matches scheduled in the morning, the squad faces the unique challenge of adjusting their biological rhythms and managing their condition.
For players based in Europe, morning matches can directly impact their focus and pre-match routines. The importance of the opening match in the World Cup cannot be overstated, and whether Korea can find its rhythm from the very first day could shape the entire Group A landscape. On the other hand, Korean fans will experience a different kind of World Cup.
With matches taking place during the morning commute or in the office, football games that start the day could actually be positive in terms of viewership. As interest in Korea’s international matches has grown in recent years, the unique tension of morning kickoffs is likely to further heighten fan engagement.
The tournament’s opening match will also be held in Group A. On June 12 at 4 a.m., Mexico and the Republic of South Africa will face off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The outcome of this match could provide indirect insight for Korea’s strategic approach to its own opener just a few hours later.
FIFA stated that the match times were set "with consideration for the welfare of players and supporters, as well as global viewership." Nevertheless, the Korean national team now faces the practical challenge of analyzing and overcoming the new variable of a 10 a.m. kickoff.
For Korea, the group stage is not just a matter of scheduling; it is a ‘battle against time’ as crucial moments will unfold in the morning hours.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter