The Children’s Day fixtures have concluded, meaning all 12 teams in K League are a dozen matches into the 2026 season. At both ends of the table, a gap has opened that’s unlikely to close before the end of May.

In a feisty Tuesday evening meeting between FC Seoul and FC Anyang, the home team survived an early red card for Yazan to claim a deserved point. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors had already claimed all three points thanks to a comfortable 4-0 win over Gwangju FC. That victory momentarily cut Seoul’s lead to five points.

At the other end, Gwangju are already cut adrift. Not only are they on a ghastly eight-match losing streak, most of those results have been one-sided. Since this miserable run began in Sangam, Gwangju have scored three, but conceded 29.

There are no K League 1 fixtures in June because of Korea Republic’s participation in the World Cup. The final round before the break will be on May 17, resuming on July 4.

Below are the most significant matches affecting the top, the bottom, and local bragging rights.

K League 1 summit

There are nine points to play for this side of the World Cup break. Seoul’s five point lead isn’t insurmountable, and they have failed to win either of their last two – both at home.

The leaders will be on the road for those remaining games, starting with a tricky visit to Jeju SK this weekend. Following that are matches in Gwangju and Daejeon. It is a real shame Seoul don’t have to face Jeonbuk Hyundai again until after the World Cup.

Jeonbuk, meanwhile, must negotiate a tough run of fixtures as well. They travel to FC Anyang this weekend, then Bucheon FC, before a send-off against Gimcheon Sangmu in Jeonju.

Ulsan HD can make things difficult if they beat Bucheon and Jeju (both at home) and Gangwon (away) but they are six points adrift and not in great form.

To the basement

Gwangju will need to win their remaining three matches to have any chance of avoiding 12th before the break. The likelihood of this happening is virtually zero, however. They play two of the current top four at home (Gangwon and Seoul) before ending up at Incheon.

As an aside, Incheon United are the only club Gwangju have beaten in 2026.

Bucheon have a disastrous final three matches – Ulsan away before welcoming Jeonbuk and Pohang Steelers. They have, probably, done enough to avoid dropping down to 12th.

Anything else?

The round 14 meeting of Gangwon FC and Daejeon Hana looks promising. Gangwon continue to defy the odds and maintain a competitive team in the top half despite a small budget. Daejeon were in trouble not so long ago, but a run of 10 points from 15 sees them jump into the top half.

Both clubs will finish in Final A. They won’t be K League champions, but third spot is possible.

Finally, Pohang Steelers have been on the road since April 26. They do not return to the Steel Yard until July 25. Already hampered by inconsistent form, how will such a prolonged absence from home affect their season?

Who do you see topping the table before the World Cup? And is there any hope for Gwangju at the foot of the table?