Korea Republic hosts Venezuela in an international friendly on Friday, October 2, 2026, with kickoff at 7:00 AM ET from Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan. As of publication, no U.S. television channel or streaming service has officially confirmed coverage of this match, so American viewers currently have no confirmed way to watch it live. Son Heung-min enters the match having tied Korea’s all-time scoring record on 58 goals; one more would make him the outright leader.
| Match | Korea Republic vs Venezuela |
| Date | Friday, October 2, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 AM ET (6:00 AM CT, 4:00 AM PT) |
| Competition | International Friendly |
| U.S. TV | None |
| U.S. Stream | None |
| Venue | Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, Ulsan, South Korea |
Where to Watch Korea Republic vs Venezuela
No U.S. broadcaster has announced coverage of this friendly. Checks of ESPN’s friendly schedule, LiveSoccerTV’s U.S. listings, and both federations’ announcements found no American television or streaming option as of October 1, 2026. If a U.S. viewing option is announced, this article will be updated. Korean viewers can follow domestic coverage, but nothing has been confirmed for the United States.
Why this match matters
Both teams are in transition after the 2026 World Cup. Korea Republic crashed out in the group stage and is now led by interim coach Roberto Moreno, who is using the October window to evaluate a new generation. Venezuela, under Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, has begun a deliberate generational shift toward the 2030 cycle, leaving several veteran stars out of this squad entirely.
The headline storyline is Son Heung-min’s chase of history. The captain sits on 58 international goals, level with Cha Bum-kun’s long-standing Korea Republic record; one more would make him the outright all-time top scorer. A home friendly against an experimental Venezuela side is an inviting stage for the milestone.
Recent form: Korea Republic
Korea Republic’s last five matches (all competitions): two wins and three defeats (W-L-L-W-L).
- June 12, 2026: Czech Republic 1-2 Korea Republic (neutral, 2026 World Cup)
- June 19, 2026: Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic (neutral, 2026 World Cup)
- June 25, 2026: South Africa 1-0 Korea Republic (neutral, 2026 World Cup)
- September 24, 2026: Korea Republic 3-0 Ecuador (home, friendly)
- September 28, 2026: Korea Republic 1-4 Uruguay (home, friendly)
The World Cup group-stage exit was a national disappointment, and September’s split results, a convincing win over Ecuador followed by a heavy home defeat to Uruguay, show a team still searching for its post-tournament identity under Moreno.
Recent form: Venezuela
Venezuela’s last five matches (all competitions): two wins, one draw and two defeats (W-D-L-W-L).
- March 27, 2026: Trinidad and Tobago 1-4 Venezuela (neutral, friendly)
- March 30, 2026: Uzbekistan 0-0 Venezuela (neutral, friendly, lost on penalties)
- June 6, 2026: Turkey 2-1 Venezuela (neutral, friendly)
- June 9, 2026: Iraq 0-2 Venezuela (neutral, friendly)
- September 28, 2026: Japan 2-1 Venezuela (away, friendly)
Venezuela’s results have been mixed, but the direction is clear: Vizcarrondo is blooding young players. The 2-1 defeat in Japan four days ago was competitive, with young striker Kelsy scoring his first senior goal.
Team news
All eyes are on Son Heung-min, who needs one goal to break Cha Bum-kun’s Korea Republic scoring record outright. The interim staff under Roberto Moreno is expected to give minutes to fringe players, but Son is likely to start given the milestone at stake.
Venezuela’s squad omission list is the story on their side: Jose Salomon Rondon, Yeferson Soteldo and Jefferson Savarino have all been left out as Vizcarrondo turns toward 2030. Kelsy, scorer of his first international goal against Japan, is the young name to watch.
What to watch
The central question is whether Son gets his record in front of the home crowd. Venezuela’s experimental back line, missing its veteran organizers, could be vulnerable to Korea’s movement in the final third, and Moreno will want his captain on the pitch long enough to chase the goal.
For Venezuela, this is about the next cycle. A respectable performance in a difficult away friendly, with so many young players, would validate Vizcarrondo’s rebuild. Expect an open match: Korea’s recent friendlies have produced goals at both ends, and Venezuela has little to lose.
Head to head
The teams have met once: Korea Republic won 3-1 against Venezuela on September 5, 2014, in an international friendly.
Prediction
Prediction: Korea Republic 2-1 Venezuela. Home advantage, Son’s record chase and Venezuela’s experimental squad point to a Korean win, but the visitors’ young attackers have shown they can score.
FAQ
When is Korea Republic vs Venezuela? Friday, October 2, 2026, at 7:00 AM ET (6:00 AM CT, 4:00 AM PT), which is 8:00 PM local time in Ulsan, South Korea.
Where can I watch Korea Republic vs Venezuela in the U.S.? As of October 1, 2026, no U.S. TV channel or streaming service has officially confirmed coverage.
Where is the game being played? Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, South Korea.
What is at stake for Son Heung-min? One goal would make him Korea Republic’s outright all-time top scorer with 59, breaking his tie with Cha Bum-kun on 58.
