Asian champs Ulsan HD target top-three finish & shock progress

Ulsan HD come into this Club World Cup as underdogs, as the only Asian team that is not continental champion and that has earned its ticket as the team with the best ranking in the AFC. That makes them unique in a tournament in which they will try to surprise everyone by being among the top 16 teams.

Unbeknownst to the average spectator, Ulsan HD already knows what it is like to play in intercontinental tournaments such as the Cubes World Cup in 2012 and 2020, losing on both occasions to a Mexican team. Now, they will be looking for at least third place in Group F, which also includes Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund and Mamelodi Sundowns, a priori their direct rivals.

Squad list

Players to watch

Erick Farias. The Brazilian striker is the team's top scorer this season in what is his first season with the South Korean side. He arrived from Juventude for the Asian adventure and so far the globetrotting Brazilian is fulfilling his role.

Another well-known player, especially to those who follow English football, is veteran Chung-Yong Lee, who at 36 is still playing an important role in what is his sixth season at Ulsan HD. He previously played for Bolton, Crystal Palace and Bochum.

Coach

Pan-Gom Kim. He has been in charge for exactly one year and is not at his best. The Club World Cup could be decisive in the South Korean coach's career, as he has won less than half of the games he has managed Ulsan HD.

Now 56, and having played professionally, he has managed a number of Hong Kong teams before taking charge of the national team from 2012 to 2017. He was Malaysia coach in 2022 before signing for Ulsan HD.

Group stage fixtures

Matchday 1

Ulsan HD will make their debut in the Club World Cup against the easiest of their opponents, Mamelodi Sundowns. They will do so on Wednesday 18 June at the Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando, home of the Orlando Pirates. It will be the first time they will face an African opponent.

Matchday 2

Ulsan HD will then play their second group game against Fluminense, one of South America's toughest opponents. It will take place on Sunday 22 June at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. As in the first match, it will be their debut against a Brazilian team.

Matchday 3

To close the group stage, the South Koreans will face Borussia Dortmund, who appear to be their toughest opponents. They will do so on Wednesday 25 June at the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati. It will again be the first time they have faced a German club.

Possible starting XI