Ulsan, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, won 1-0 thanks to Lee Dong-kyung’s winning goal in the first leg of the 2023-24 semifinals against Yokohama F. Marinos at Munsu Football Stadium at 7 p.m. on the 17th.

As a result, Ulsan took an advantage of advancing to the finals and announced its prospects for the second round of the semifinals at Yokohama International Stadium on the 24th.

At the same time, the Korean team will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup to be held in the U.S. in 2025. It scored 81 points in the AFC club point, beating over Jeonbuk Hyundai (80 points). As the team ranks second in Asia following Al Hilal (115 points), it has secured tickets on its own.

FIFA said that it will gather the world’s best clubs one year before the 2026 North-Central America World Cup and hold a club competition like the World Cup, which is a national competition. Ulsan will participate in the first tournament, “Mundial de Clubs FIFA.”

In the existing Club World Cup, seven teams including champions of six continents and the host country competed for the trophy. Starting next year, 32 teams will participate in the event, and the event will be held every four years just like the World Cup.

If they win the right to participate, they can play at least three games even if they are eliminated from the group league. Twelve prestigious UEFA clubs including Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid (Spain), Manchester City, Chelsea (England), Bayern Munich (Germany), Paris Saint-Germain (France), Juventus, and Inter Milan (Italy) have confirmed their participation.

A total of four tickets were distributed to Asia, and Ulsan HD, Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia) and Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) took one each. 안전놀이터

FIFA President Gianni Infantino also sent a congratulatory message after Ulsan beat Yokohama in the first leg of the ALC semifinals. Infantino welcomed the team by saying, “Congratulations on your participation in the FIFA Club World Cup, which has been refurbished. Ulsan HDFC in Korea.”

Coach Hong Myung-bo said, “I am proud that Ulsan will represent Korea at the first Club World Cup that will take place for the first time since the reorganization. It is a gift for our club and our fans.”

Big prize money is also expected. According to The Athletic, the total prize money of last year’s Club World Cup, which was comprised of seven teams, amounted to 15 million U.S. dollars. If FIFA significantly expands the scale to 32 teams and maximizes marketing, sponsorship and broadcasting profits, the prize money will likely increase significantly. Some foreign media outlets even reported that clubs would receive about 80 billion won (approx.