South Korea's women's basketball team has qualified for its 17th consecutive FIBA World Cup, securing a spot in the September finals regardless of remaining results after defeating the Philippines by 31 points.
The Korean team (FIBA ranking 15th), led by head coach Park Su-ho, defeated the Philippines (39th) 105-74 in their fourth Group A match of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final Qualifying Tournament at Astroballe arena in Villeurbanne, France, on the 15th (local time).
After losing their opening match to Germany, Korea secured three consecutive victories against Nigeria, Colombia, and the Philippines. Even with a loss to France, Korea will finish with a record of 3 wins and 2 losses for 8 points. The team is guaranteed at least fourth place and qualification for the finals, as fifth-place Philippines (4 points) and sixth-place Colombia (3 points) cannot overtake them even if both win their remaining games.
Korea has now qualified for every World Cup since the 1964 Peru tournament without missing a single edition. The team's best World Cup performances were runner-up finishes in 1967 and 1979.
Korea dominated the Philippines from the first quarter with explosive perimeter shooting. Trailing 0-4, Korea turned the game around when Kang Yi-seul hit three three-pointers. Lee So-hee and Ahn Hye-ji added their own three-pointers to extend the lead to 28-17.
Korea controlled the second quarter as Lee Hae-ran steadily accumulated points. Kang Yi-seul, Choi Yi-saem, and Heo Ye-eun each connected on three-pointers. Lee Hae-ran hit another three-pointer just before the quarter ended, pushing the lead to 55-33.
Kang Yi-seul continued her shooting clinic in the third quarter, draining three more three-pointers. Multiple fast breaks combined with scoring from Park Ji-su, Park Ji-hyun, Heo Ye-eun, Hong Yu-sun, and Lee Hae-ran extended the lead to 30 points at 80-50.
With the game well in hand, Korea rested its starters in the fourth quarter by deploying backup players. Three-pointers from Kang Yi-seul, Park So-hee, and Kang Yu-rim, along with Choi Yi-saem leading the offense, pushed the score into triple digits for the commanding victory.
Kang Yi-seul led all scorers with 24 points on eight three-pointers. Lee Hae-ran and Choi Yi-saem each added 15 points, while Park Ji-hyun and Heo Ye-eun contributed 11 points apiece. Park Ji-su added 10 points as six players reached double figures.
Korea will face France in their final qualifying match on the 18th at 4:30 a.m. (Korea time).