The 2026 K League 1 season is poised for a thrilling start on February 28, featuring a series of captivating encounters that will ignite rivalries and showcase the league's evolving landscape. After a period of anticipation, fans can look forward to the return of top-tier football, with teams having meticulously prepared through the winter break. This comprehensive overview details the key matchups of the opening round, providing insights into the strategic changes, significant player acquisitions, and overarching ambitions of each club as they embark on their quest for glory.
The season commences with a compelling doubleheader on Saturday, February 28. Incheon United, fresh off their K League 2 championship and subsequent promotion, will host FC Seoul in a highly anticipated Gyeongin Derby. Incheon aims to leverage their recent success, bolstered by veteran attackers Stefan Mugosa and Gerso Fernandes, and enhanced by new signings like Lee Chung-yong and Oh Hu-seong, who bring experience and depth. Spanish midfielder Iker Undabarrena and defender Juan Ibiza are also set to make their debuts, adding international flair to the squad. Across the pitch, FC Seoul has been equally active in the transfer market, securing Leonardo Ruiz and Song Min-kyu to strengthen their offense, while fortifying their defense with goalkeeper Gu Sung-yun and La Masia alumnus Juan Ros. The re-signing of defensive anchor Yazan Al-Arab further solidifies their backline, promising a formidable challenge for their rivals.
Simultaneously, Ulsan HD, under the guidance of new head coach Kim Hyun-seok, is determined to reclaim its former dominance after a disappointing previous season. The team has undergone significant restructuring, with Yago Cariello returning from loan and new attacking talents Pedrinho and Benji Michel joining the ranks to maximize their offensive potential. Midfield reinforcements include Park Woo-jin and Lee Min-hyuk, alongside the returning Lee Gyu-seong, designed to enhance intensity and control. Coach Kim's confidence in his team's revamped structure has resonated with fans, who eagerly await a more dynamic and youthful Ulsan. Their opponents, Gangwon FC, led by Jeong Kyung-ho in his second year, are looking to build on their impressive fifth-place finish last season and their deep run in the AFC Champions League Elite. With a focus on squad continuity, they have strategically added Israeli forward Abdalla Hleihel and young prospect Lee Eun-ho to invigorate their attack. The re-signing of veteran Hong Chul and the addition of ex-Pohang star Goh Young-jun are expected to inject creativity into their midfield, signaling Gangwon's intent to sustain their upward trajectory from the very first whistle.
Later on Saturday, Gimcheon Sangmu, now under the stewardship of new head coach Joo Seung-jin, seeks to extend their momentum from the previous season with a more aggressive attacking approach. Captain Lee Jung-taek leads a cohesive squad that includes proven K League 1 talents such as Go Jae-hyun and Kim In-gyun, all poised to make a significant impact. Gimcheon's historical record against Pohang Steelers, boasting six wins in their last ten encounters, suggests a potential continuation of their dominance. Pohang Steelers, in their third year with head coach Park Tae-ha, are striving to reverse their fortunes against Gimcheon through refined tactical organization. They have accelerated their generational shift by integrating young talents like Son Seung-beom and Jin Si-woo. The defensive stability provided by captain Jeon Min-kwang and goalkeeper Hwang In-jae, combined with the offensive prowess of Lee Ho-jae and Jorge Teixeira, aims to challenge Gimcheon's established supremacy.
Sunday's action features Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors against Bucheon FC 1995. Jeonbuk, under new head coach Chung Jung-yong, has already demonstrated their formidable strength by winning the 2026 K League Super Cup, with key new players like Bruno Mota and Oberdan making immediate impacts. After securing both the K League 1 title and the Korea Cup last season, Jeonbuk is determined to reinforce its status as a league powerhouse. Bucheon, celebrating their long-awaited promotion after defeating Suwon FC in the Promotion-Relegation Playoffs, faces a daunting challenge against the reigning champions. However, they have significantly bolstered their squad with experienced K League 1 midfielders Yoon Bit-garam and Kim Jong-woo, as well as versatile wide players Kim Min-jun and Shin Jae-won. The integration of these new faces with existing key contributors like Rodrigo Bassani and Jefferson Gallego will be crucial for Bucheon's success. Concluding Sunday's fixtures, Jeju SK, under the strategic direction of new manager Sergio Costa, aims for a structural transformation emphasizing proactive and dominant football. They have retained key veterans and added international talents, including Gytis Paulauskas and Emerson Negueba, reflecting their ambition to ascend from last season's eleventh-place finish. Gwangju FC, despite parting ways with their promotion-winning coach, has opted for continuity by appointing former assistant Lee Jung-kyu, who is expected to maintain and enhance the team's distinctive tactical identity with a stable core of key players.
The opening round concludes on Monday with Daejeon Hana Citizen, widely regarded as strong title contenders, facing FC Anyang. Daejeon's impressive runner-up finish last season and significant off-season acquisitions, including Joo Min-kyu and Kim Moon-hwan, have heightened expectations for their championship credentials. Their performance in the Super Cup, despite a loss, showcased their fluid passing and sharp wing play. FC Anyang, entering their second year in K League 1, achieved a stable eighth-place finish last season and have expanded their attacking options with new signings like Lee Jin-yong and Breno Herculano. With captain Lee Chang-yong providing strong team cohesion, Anyang aims to demonstrate their potential as a dark horse against the formidable Daejeon. These opening matches not only mark the beginning of a new football season but also set the tone for the competitive journey ahead, promising excitement and unexpected turns for fans and teams alike.