Why you should watch every team at the 2018 World Cup

South Korea

Quietly, South Korea have qualified for every World Cup since 1986. They were eliminated in the group stage from ‘86 through ‘98, as well as 2014, but their fourth place finish in the 2002 competition they co-hosted put them on the map, and the simple fact of their consistent qualification (a rarity around the world) establishes them as an identity to be reckoned with.

It’s time they proved they can take another big step away from home soil. They disappointingly bowed out early in 2014, failing to beat an error-prone Russia and then losing to both Algeria and 10-man Belgium. They have finished third, third and second in the last three AFC Asian Cups, but 2018 will be their time step up on the world stage.

This will be their first World Cup with a 25-year-old Heung-min Son in his prime. Son has become arguably South Korea’s most popular overseas soccer export after his success with Tottenham kicked off, and he will be the most important player for a team also featuring Swansea’s Ki Sung-yueng and Red Bull Salzburg 22-year-old Hwang Hee-chan.

Sounders center-back Kim Kee-hee was not called up, possibly due to the rash of injuries he’s had recently, but the Reds have an intriguing squad.