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South Korea continue their preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they take on Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly match at South Field, Utah, on Sunday, 31 May 2026, at 08:00 WIB.

This will be the first meeting between the two nations since July 2004, when they played out a 1-1 draw in Seoul.

South Korea head into Saturday’s game seeking to avoid a third consecutive defeat for the first time since June 2018, following a 1-0 friendly loss to Austria on 31 March.

Prior to that, Myung-bo Hong’s squad began their 2026 calendar with a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Ivory Coast on 28 March, ending their three-match winning streak.

The Taeguk Warriors will look to rediscover their rhythm and build momentum ahead of the World Cup, where they aim to surpass their Round of 16 finish from 2022.

While South Korea are set to compete in Group A of the World Cup alongside South Africa, Czech Republic, and co-hosts Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago will miss the global stage after a disappointing qualification campaign, finishing third in Group B with seven points from six matches.

Since then, Dwight Yorke’s side have suffered three consecutive defeats, including back-to-back losses to Venezuela and Gabon during the FIFA Series in March.

Trinidad enter this weekend’s fixture without a win in their last four friendlies, having lost to Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, and Bolivia, and drawing 1-1 with Jamaica on 10 February.

Head-to-Head: South Korea vs Trinidad and Tobago

• This will be only the second-ever meeting between South Korea and Trinidad and Tobago, with their previous encounter coming in a July 2004 friendly that ended 1-1.
• In that match, Cha Du-ri opened the scoring in the 52nd minute for South Korea, before Jason Scotland equalised for Trinidad and Tobago.
• Trinidad and Tobago have failed to win 12 of their last 13 matches across all competitions, recording six defeats and six draws since June 2025.
• South Korea have lost just three of their last 14 friendly matches, winning eight and drawing three since June 2023.

Team News: South Korea vs Trinidad and Tobago

South Korea will play two friendly matches with their 26-man World Cup squad, and head coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to field a strong starting lineup to test his team’s readiness.

Star forward Son Heung-min joins directly from his MLS season with Los Angeles FC, where he has provided eight assists in 13 league games this season after scoring 12 goals in 13 matches last year, bringing his international tally to 54 goals.

However, Lee Kang-in will not feature as he is on duty with Paris Saint-Germain for the UEFA Champions League final in Budapest, while Bayern Munich’s centre-back Kim Min-jae will marshal the defence at the World Cup.

Trinidad and Tobago are likely to be without goalkeeper Denzil Smith on Sunday, meaning Jabari Brice could start between the posts, or Teshorne Ragoo might make his debut.

Roald Mitchell, who plays for MLS side New York Red Bulls, is expected to continue leading the attack after starting during the FIFA Series.

Elsewhere, key player Levi Garcia, who scored twice in their last fixture and has 12 international goals, might also miss out from Derek King’s squad.

Predicted Line-ups: South Korea vs Trinidad and Tobago

South Korea: S Kim; H Lee, M Kim, J Kim; Seol, Paik, I Hwang, T Lee; J Lee, Son, H Hwang

Trinidad and Tobago: Brice; Payne, Yearwood, Ngwenya, Powder; Garcia, Greene, David, Nakhid, Thomas; Mitchell

Score Predictions: South Korea vs Trinidad and Tobago

Sportkeeda Version

With the World Cup fast approaching, South Korea will aim to secure a morale-boosting result that sets the tone for their campaign on the grand stage.

Although it remains to be seen how strong Hong’s lineup will be, the Koreans have the quality needed to get the job done, and we back them to claim victory in Utah.

Predicted Score: South Korea 3-1 Trinidad and Tobago

Sportsmole Version

As they begin their World Cup preparations on American soil, South Korea are expected to make no mistakes and should comfortably defeat Trinidad and Tobago in Utah, even if they rotate players during the game.

Predicted Score: South Korea 3-0 Trinidad and Tobago

TribunLombok Version

In terms of individual quality and tactical structure, South Korea remain far more developed than Trinidad and Tobago. With Son Heung-min steering the attack, they pose a constant threat with both pace and finishing ability.

Despite two consecutive friendly defeats, this match gives Hong Myung-bo a chance to test his best combinations before the World Cup. The presence of players like Hwang Hee-chan and Lee Kang-in (though absent here) highlights the team’s depth across positions.

Trinidad and Tobago, meanwhile, are still in transition and have yet to find stability under their new coach. Their recent winless run exposes defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against fast, high-pressing opponents.

Nonetheless, they retain some attacking potential through quick counter-attacks and set pieces, especially with Roald Mitchell active up front. South Korea, however, have occasionally struggled with concentration during friendlies.

Even so, the gap in quality and tempo is likely to be evident throughout the match. South Korea are expected to dominate possession and create numerous chances, while Trinidad and Tobago may only threaten sporadically.

Therefore, a convincing South Korean victory appears the most realistic outcome, though conceding once remains possible in a friendly that typically features a relaxed tempo.

Predicted Score: South Korea 3-1 Trinidad and Tobago