After the draw for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, NBC Sports, USA, released the rankings of participating countries. Korea, along with Portugal, Uruguay, and Ghana, were assigned to Group H in the 2022 World Cup draw, which took place on February 2nd in Qatar.
Korea was ranked 16th out of 32 countries competing in the Qatar World Cup, according to NBC. Korea was ranked in the high middle, whereas Portugal, who played in the same group as Korea, was ranked tenth, and Uruguay was ranked eleventh. According to NBC Sports, Portugal and Uruguay will be ahead of Korea in the round of 16 contentions for the group's second spot. Ghana was placed 29th, the lowest of the four Group H teams.
Brazil was ranked first among the 32 countries competing in the Qatar World Cup by NBC Sports. Brazil also took first position in the FIFA rankings, which were released on the 31st of last month, surpassing Belgium and regaining the top spot in the FIFA rankings for the first time in four years.
Furthermore, following Brazil, Belgium, England, France, Germany, and Argentina were rated second to sixth in NBC Sports' Qatar World Cup qualifying countries list. Portugal placed worse than the Netherlands (8th) and Denmark (9th) in Group H, despite receiving the first seed in the Qatar World Cup final draw.
Korea ranks first among Asian countries in NBC Sports' rankings. Iran was rated 24th, while Japan was placed 25th. Saudi Arabia came in 28th place. Even if they make the finals, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or Australia, which are hosting the World Cup qualifying play-offs, are anticipated to finish in the bottom 32nd place.
Iran was rated last among the nations in Group B, while Japan was ranked third among the countries in Group E, thus it was thought that even the second-placed group would struggle to proceed to the round of 16. Japan has been drawn to Group E of the Qatar World Cup finals, with winners Spain and Germany, and will face stiff competition.