Korea is ranked 19th in the FIFA World Cup power rankings published by CBS Sports early this week, ahead of the quadrennial tournament's kickoff in Qatar in November.
Korea ranked highest among Asian squads competing in the World Cup, but was lowest in its group, which includes Ghana, Portugal and Uruguay.
CBS said that out of the 32 teams competing in the World Cup this year, those with the highest chance of coming in first to sixth place were classified as "Tier 1: The favorites." In seventh to 10th were "Tier 2: Possible contenders," in 11th to 14th "Tier 3: The knockouts await," in 15th to 26th "Tier 4: In the mix," and in 27th to 32nd "Tier 5: Unlikely to escape the groups."
Uruguay was included in Tier 2 at seventh, Portugal in Tier 3 at 13th and Ghana in Tier 4 at 16th.
Following Korea among Asian teams are Japan (25th), Australia (27th), Qatar (28th), Iran (31st) and Saudi Arabia (32nd).
Brazil was the strongest favorite in Tier 1, followed by Argentina, France, Germany, England and Spain.
