In Korea, as in many other parts of the world, buying football tickets online is becoming an increasingly stressful experience. Apps often don’t accept foreign phone numbers, and international payments are not always possible. However, this is unlikely to keep you out of a match. We’re here to help.

In January 2025, I went to Istanbul to see Galatasaray, Beşiktaş, and Fenerbahçe across three Europa League nights—truly the football trip of a lifetime in one of the world’s greatest cities. Anyone familiar with securing tickets for Turkish clubs will confirm just how frustrating (and expensive) the process can be. I still have nightmares about myPassolig account.

The new season is just around the corner.

Fortunately, it isn’t quite as arduous in Korea. That said, for international football fans hoping to experience Korea’s vibrant matchday atmosphere, securing a ticket before arriving in the country is virtually impossible. All is not lost, though—and once again, we’re here to help.

And now that the K League 1 and 2 fixtures are out, the planning starts here.

Online Ticketing Platforms

The two primary ticket providers in Korea are NOLInterpark and Ticketlink. To purchase tickets in advance, customers must have login details for the relevant application and, crucially, possess a Korean mobile phone number. A firm understanding of the Korean language is also helpful, as is the ability to complete payment using locally issued security certificates.

In other words, unless you have a Korean phone number, acquiring tickets online in advance is effectively impossible.

Below is a breakdown of K League clubs by ticketing platform—for those capable of navigating the apps.

Ticketlink logo.

Ticketlink

K League 1

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Gimcheon Sangmu

Pohang Steelers

FC Seoul

Gwangju FC

FC Anyang

Jeju SK

K League 2

Seoul E-Land

Busan IPark

Gimpo FC

Gyeongnam FC

Yongin FC

NOL Interpark logo.

NOL Interpark

K League 1

Gangwon FC

Bucheon FC 1995

K League 2

Suwon Bluewings

Suwon FC

Seongnam FC

Jeonnam Dragons

Chungnam Asan

Hwaseong FC

Chungbuk Cheongju

Cheonan City FC

Ansan Greeners

Extra

Daejeon Hana Citizen and Incheon United sell tickets through their official club websites. Interestingly, Incheon United sells away fan tickets via Interpark.

Buying Tickets at the Stadium

A ticket booth will be outside every ground in Korea, including this one, at Busan’s Gudeok Stadium.

The good news is that all 29 clubs across K League 1 and K League 2 sell tickets at official booths outside their stadiums. These booths are clearly marked with English signage, so locating them won’t be a problem.

Asmall processing fee—usually around ₩2,000—is added to the ticket price. In addition to a price list, each booth displays a seating map on the window, allowing you to choose your preferred section. While staff may occasionally speak English, this should not be relied upon.

Even as a tourist, you willnot be asked to provide identification. The process is as simple as pointing to a section on the map and handing over a card for payment. Don’t be surprised if cash is not accepted, or if smartwatch payments are unavailable.

To further put your mind at ease, K League matchesvery rarely sell out. Daegu iM Bank Park has traditionally been one of the more difficult venues for securing tickets due to its modest capacity of 12,419, but as of 2026, Daegu FC compete in K League 2. Matches involving Suwon Samsung Bluewings can sell out in advance, but otherwise, securing a seat is rarely an issue.

Elsewhere, Incheon United and Pohang Steelers play in football-specific stadiums with smaller capacities, meaning sell-outs are possible—but still uncommon.

Segregation and Matchday Etiquette

Home fan sections for home fans only, including temporary stands like this in Anyang.

Segregation does exist at football matches in Korea, but the risk of violence or inflammatory chanting is extremely low—almost unheard of. That said, home clubs do not allow supporters wearing opposition merchandise to sit in home sections, nor do they permit home team apparel in the away end.

Be mindful of what you’re wearing—not out of fear for your safety, but because you may be denied entry or asked to leave your section. I have personally witnessed security ejecting fans for sitting in the wrong area.

Alcohol consumption is permitted in all stadiums and at your seat. Some clubs require the contents of cans to be poured into paper cups before spectators return to their seats.

Additional Tips for First-Time Football Tourists in Korea

Buy a Bluewings umbrella if you want to take part in this.

To further enhance your experience, consider the following:

Arrive early: Korean stadiums often have pre-match activities, food stalls, and merchandise booths worth exploring.

Try the stadium food: Fried chicken, tteokbokki, squid, and beer are staples—and often better than expected.

Learn a chant or two: Home supporters are welcoming, and even minimal participation goes a long way.

Sit neutral if unsure: If you don’t have team gear, choose a main stand or neutral section to avoid any issues.

Public transport is best: Stadiums are well connected by subway and buses; parking can be limited.

Respect the family atmosphere: K League matches are very family-friendly, with children and elderly fans common in the stands.

Last week, I asked the following question about our Miami Dolphins roster and which core players should be held onto going forward to build the rest of the roster around:

Which current Miami Dolphins players do you believe the team must hold onto as the core of the roster going into the 2026-2027 NFL Season, and why? Additionally, which expiring contract players do you believe the team should re-sign and why?

Below are some of your thoughts and answers-

Alpha6 gave us a list of guys he wants sent packing and those he wants extended. Maybe we can get his core guys in this post.

Cut Candidates: Tyreek Hill; Austin Jackson; Ingold; Sanders; NWI; Tyrel Dodson; Chubb; Tua

Extension Candidates: Aaron Brewer; Jordyn Brooks; Minkah Fitzpatrick

The rest are under contract.

NeenerWhacker in reply to Alpha6 says hey, what about our best player on offense?

Achane extension? What do u think

BurstingFireLegend agrees with NeenerWhacker on Achane but sees why others could go either way.

I would extend Achane 100%

Brooks will likely expect a pay increase after being named 1st team all-pro and he’s on his final year of his deal. He’s also 28yrs old. Would it make sense to trade him? Clearly, we are better off with him in 2026, but long-term, does it matter? I could understand either direction.

heatforlife is not on board with everyone else when it comes to Achane.

nah at the usage rate hes good for a few more years .

BurstingFireLegend has another cut for us.

Cutting A.Jackson saves an entire 1.6mil. Don’t expect him to be cut nor should he be.

DalFinsFan wants to talk about guys we might be stuck with.

Chubb has too high of a dead cap to cut I think, kinda like Tua, might have to ride out 26 with them

SlayerNation1 points out that there’s not as much there as we might hope.

Paul, Brewer, maybe a few Rookie defensive players, only because of price.

Achane, I can see it a mile away: will get paid and production falls off a cliff, especially, with no other talent around Him.

Brooks may not reproduce this past season.

Chop is a, flat out, bust.

Everyone else is not foundational. It is a collection of JAGs.

They will rue not getting the draft capital for Waddle.

This team is years away due to the poor decisions.

JES and whomever is HC have the Herculean task of un##cking themselves.

The Earl understood the assignment.

Core players: Achane; Waddle; Paul; Brewer; Brooks; Sieler; Fitzpatrick

Potential to be core players: Chop; Grant; Marshall; Dulcich*; Wright; Kohou*

*assuming they are re-signed

coluccim has hope in some of the young guys.

Looking to the future – we have 1 young core player, an undersized fast RB.

Based on financials, Waddle should be traded after 2026 and we should be looking for a replacement now in the draft

Hopefully, some of the unheard from youth make big strides

Well, that’s our selection of answers for this evening. If you missed the original post from last week, given that there has been a ton of much more important Miami Dolphins news going on, please feel free to add your thoughts and answers to the comments section below. As always, thank you to each of you who took the time to answer our question of the day.

Player Ratings: Real Madrid 6–1 Monaco

Thibaut Courtois — 8
Made five saves and prevented 1.02 xG. Could do nothing about the goal conceded and was otherwise rock-solid.

Fede Valverde — 8.5
A dominant two-way performance at right-back. Excellent defensively and provided two assists going forward.

Raúl Asencio — 7
Flew into challenges with confidence and showed good composure in possession.

Dean Huijsen — 8
One of his better performances. His step-up interceptions were impeccable, with one directly leading to a goal.

Eduardo Camavinga — 8.5
Outstanding at left-back. Dribbled out of pressure with ease, won key duels, and played an integral role in Madrid’s second goal.

Aurélien Tchouaméni — 7
Nearly cost Madrid a goal by losing Ansu Fati in the first half, but was otherwise strong and reliable defensively.

Arda Güler — 8
Played with verticality and intent. Provided the hockey assist for the second goal and won the ball cleanly to spark another in the second half.

Jude Bellingham — 8
Started slowly but grew into the game. Capped his performance with a beautifully composed finish.

Franco Mastantuono — 8.5
A constant menace. Never stopped pressing, scored with his right foot, and was involved in Madrid’s opening goal.

Kylian Mbappé — 9
Two goals, including a brilliant opener. A decisive and ruthless performance.

Vinícius Jr. — 10
At his very best. Scored a golazo, provided two assists, created seven chances, completed four dribbles, and forced an own goal. Unplayable.

---

Substitutes

Dani Ceballos — 5.5
Helped with ball progression, but his mistake directly led to Monaco’s only goal.

Gonzalo García — 6
Quiet cameo. Limited involvement, just five touches, and rarely threatened the box.

Dani Carvajal — 6
Minimal impact but did manage to get a shot off.

Dani Meso — N/A
Not on long enough to rate.

---

Packers sign a new QB amid concerns about Malik Willis leaving in free agency originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Green Bay Packers appear to be anticipating losing one quarterback this offseason.

To offset that, they’ve signed a new QB to a reserve/futures contract to add depth on the assumption that Malik Willis leaves in free agency.

The new guy is Kyle McCord, and his signing was announced Tuesday evening and reported by The Athletic’s Matt Schneidman.

McCord just completed his rookie season in the NFL.

MORE: The lastest on how Travis Kelce’s wedding to Taylor Swift impacts retirement

He began the campaign with the Philadelphia Eagles, for whom he was a sixth-round pick. 

McCord was released midway through the year, though, and didn’t latch on anywhere else.

He began his college career at Ohio State, where he was a quality player but viewed as benefiting from the system around him.

McCord transferred to Syracuse for his final college season and set single-season passing yardage records for both the Orange and the ACC as a whole.

That prolific campaign turned him into an NFL Draft pick, and it’s likely what has the Packers interested.

MORE: Exploring 5 wild Broncos QB options to replace Bo Nix

Green Bay has Jordan Love as its franchise QB, but if Willis leaves for solid money in free agency as expected, the Packers will need to find a new reliable backup.

McCord is guaranteed to fill that role, but he’ll likely get a chance through the offseason program and the preseason to prove he can do that job.

It’s a nice chance for McCord to try and make a lasting NFL career, and it’s a smart move by the Packers to give him a chance.

More NFL news:

• Browns can draft the brother of a Cavs’ NBA star
• The 2027 Super Bowl is on Valentine’s Day
• New perspective on Tua Tagovailoa and his head injuries
• Why Bills had no choice but to fire Sean McDermott
• John Harbaugh should already have a $100 million regret
• This throw is why the Bears drafted Caleb Williams 1st overall

Why executive’s Lamar Jackson trade proposal is way off the mark originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL offseason is often a swirling vortex of rumors and reports that more often than not aren’t anything substantial, and here comes the Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson in the news.

With Lamar’s contract set to be a big domino to fall for the franchise, his $74.5 million cap hit has to be massaged down to a reasonable number.

Owner Steve Bisciotti said he wants Jackson as his quarterback and that he will be the Ravens’ quarterback moving forward.

But here comes an NFL executive, who spoke to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and offered a trade proposal that sends Lamar to the Las Vegas Raiders.

More:Ravens’ vacant HC position is NFL’s best, but comes with huge caveat

Why Ravens won’t trade Lamar

Right, there are a few problems here.

First, the executive says it would solve Las Vegas’ quarterback problems. That’s low-hanging fruit. But true to an extent.

Lamar would have Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty as his weapons, but would be behind an offensive line that saw Geno Smith be sacked 55 times in 15 games. Yuck.

Secondly, could you imagine what it would take to get Lamar out of Baltimore? I’m talking multiple first-rounders at least. Would the Raiders part ways with that? I’m not so sure.

Now here’s the big thing the executive is missing.

And we are working off Lamar’s current contract, not a reworked one or his possible extension.

If Jackson is traded pre June 1, per Over The Cap, the Ravens would eat $57 million in dead money, and only save $17 million.

But if he were traded after June 1, the Ravens’ dead cap hit would drop to $22 million, and the franchise would save $52 million in cap space. So that’s good. 

However, it would leave Baltimore without a quarterback.

Teams aren’t waiting until June 1 to bring in a new starting quarterback to begin getting to know his teammates and new head coach, are they? 

There are a host of reasons why the Ravens won’t trade Lamar. Pick your favorite.

Because there isn’t a way that Baltimore will part ways with a two-time MVP winner.

More NFL news:

• Bucs’ Baker Mayfield offers explosive ‘garbage’ quote to Kevin Stefanski
• Are Bills dangerously close to fracturing after McDermott’s firing?
• Bears predicted to part ways with $23 million weapon
• Will former Steelers HC Mike Tomlin coach again? Insider drops the hammer on future

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — The Indiana Hoosiers were ready to party Tuesday night, and hundreds of loyal fans joined them when they arrived back on campus in Bloomington.

Turning out in freezing temperatures and brutally cold wind chills, fans, players and coaches celebrated college football’s implausible national champions. The heartwarming scene reminded fans how Indiana’s journey emulated the Hollywood version in “Hoosiers.”

“Hoo, hoo, hoo, Hoo-siers,” fans chanted as six team buses pulled into the south side of the team’s practice facility.

At traditional football powers such as Alabama, Michigan or Ohio State, mid-January scenes like this can be an expectation. Bloomington is different.

Here, success is measured in banners rather than trophies, and athletes are expected to pride themselves on playing for the name on the front of their jerseys. Here, fans embrace tales of the work ethic of players from the small dots on their state map and pride themselves on the notion that in 49 other states, basketball is just, well, basketball. In Indiana, it’s akin to a religion.

Coach Curt Cignetti and his football Hoosiers are upending those traditions.

In two seasons, they created a compelling story — a rags-to-riches tale of college football’s losingest program capturing its first national title. Indiana beat Miami 27-21 Monday night on the Hurricanes’ home field — the pro-Hoosiers crowd made it feel like a game in Bloomington — and sealed the milestone with an interception by the nephew of a former Miami player.

How inspirational was this season?

“I am a Purdue graduate but I have worked at IU for almost 20 years, and I told my colleagues today this is the first year ever I rooted for IU,” Leah Mullins said, referring to Indiana’s biggest rival. “I had to pull myself away from the Boilermakers because this season has just been so inspiring and so exciting and there’s just like, such a camaraderie within the community.”

That sentiment was on full display Tuesday night.

Whether it was people dressed in Indiana’s trademark crimson-and-cream candy-striped pants, IU window flags fluttering in the breezy air or the Hoosiers victory flag waving high above the stadium with the sun setting behind it, the excitement was evident.

On the main street leading to the stadium, somebody added the words “national champ” to a display of wooden cutouts that has steadily grown with each win this season. The Hoosiers became the first team since the 1890s to finish 16-0.

There were long lines to purchase national championship gear at a local sporting goods store earlier Tuesday and when word came that the team had landed at Indianapolis International Airport, about an hour’s drive northwest of Bloomington, the parking lots started filling up.

But this is so new to Indiana, many fans were in the wrong location to catch a glimpse of Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, defensive leader Aiden Fisher, Cignetti or the trophy. So they ran to their cars, followed the blaring sirens from the police escort and pulled in behind the buses.

“I haven’t seen Bloomington so connected and so ecstatic over anything in like a long time,” said Anika Drichel, a native of the college town of 85,000. “It’s so exciting.”

Some became believers when Cignetti won a school-record 11 games in 2024, with the only losses coming at eventual national champion Ohio State and eventual runner-up Notre Dame. Others hopped on board as Cignetti’s team beat then-No. 3 Oregon on the road in October or after the Hoosiers captured their first outright Big Ten title since 1945 by beating the Buckeyes. Others held out until the clock ran out on Monday night.

Those who didn’t get their chance to celebrate Tuesday will have other opportunities. Mendoza was scheduled to do an autograph session at a sporting goods store on Wednesday morning. The trophy will be on display at a grocery store on Wednesday and a Wal-Mart on Thursday.

A rally has not been announced but could come this weekend. Some just couldn’t wait that long.

“When it started getting really good I was like, ‘Well, you know maybe I should (get on board), this is really great,” Mullins said. “And Fernando is such a great kid, I mean all of them. They’re all such good guys, it’s almost like, How can you not support these guys?”

___

Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here. AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football

Former outfielders Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, as both players reached the 75% threshold for induction as voted on by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).

The duo will join second baseman Jeff Kent in the 2026 class, as Kent was selected by the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee back in December.

Both Beltrán and Jones finished just shy of making the Hall a year ago, as Beltrán received 70.3% of the vote and Jones hit 66.2%. Beltrán, now in his fourth year on the ballot, received 84.2% of the 425 ballots cast, while Jones, in his ninth year on the ballot, reached 78.4%.

Beltrán, 48, seemed like a first-ballot lock near the end of his career, but after he reportedly took a key role in the 2017 Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, he lost his managerial job with the Mets before coaching a game, and his reputation was tarnished.

Still, Beltrán finished his career with 70.0 bWAR, batting .279/.350/.486 with 435 homers, 2,725 hits, 1,587 RBIs, 1,582 runs, and 312 steals over 2,586 games during his 20-year career. He was also named AL Rookie of the Year with the Royals in 1999, and he was selected as an All-Star nine times, won a pair of Silver Sluggers, and three Gold Gloves.

Jones, also 48, had a slightly shorter career than Beltrán, playing 17 seasons from 1996 to 2012, though he still accumulated 62.7 bWAR. One of the greatest outfield gloves in baseball history, Jones won 10 Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger, and was named an All-Star five times. For his career, he hit .254/.337/.486 with 434 homers, 2,196 hits, 1,289 RBIs, 1,204 runs, and 152 steals over 2,196 games.

Beltrán will likely enter the Hall as either a Kansas City Royal or a New York Met. He spent seven years with both clubs, starting his career in Kansas City and accumulating 24.8 bWAR there before spending 2005-2011 in New York, totaling 31.1 bWAR with the Mets. Jones will almost certainly go in as an Atlanta Brave, having spent 12 of his 17 MLB seasons in Atlanta and totaling 61.0 of his 62.7 bWAR with the Braves.

Beyond Beltrán and Jones, the only other player to break the 50% threshold was former second baseman Chase Utley, who garnered 251 votes, good for 59.1%. Andy Pettitte and Félix Hernández both fell just shy of 50%, as Pettitte received 48.5% of the vote on his eighth ballot and Hernández got 46.1% of the vote in his second year on the ballot.

Of the 12 first-year candidates, Cole Hamels is the only name to remain on the ballot entering next year, as the left-handed starter received 23.8% of the vote. Ryan Braun led the group of players who won’t return to the ballot, as he picked up 15 votes (3.5%). Former Brewer Gio González received no votes, while former closer Francisco Rodríguez received 50 votes (11.8%) and will remain on the ballot for a fifth year next time around.

Congratulations to Beltrán and Jones on joining Kent and the other 354 elected members (281 players) in the Hall this summer! The full voting results of this year’s ballot are below.

BBWAA elects Carlos Beltran, Andruw Jones to Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/NpBXWv9Q2S

— BBWAA (@officialBBWAA) January 20, 2026

Carlos Beltran will soon have a permanent place in Cooperstown, as the former Mets outfielder earned Hall of Fame enshrinement on Tuesday by receiving 84.2 percent of the vote (425 total ballots).

Moments after the nine-time All-Star heard the news, Mets ownership and franchise icons joined the celebration, sharing statements on Beltran’s stellar career and achievements.

“One of the most dynamic players ever to wear a Mets uniform, Carlos combined rare power and speed with elite defense, setting a standard of excellence that endures today,” said Mets owner Steve Cohen. Beyond his achievements on the field, his leadership, insight, and presence continue to shape our organization. It is a proud moment for Carlos, his family, and Mets fans everywhere.”

Beltran, who slashed .279/.350/.486 with 435 home runs, 565 doubles, and 1,587 RBI across 20 seasons, became just the sixth Puerto Rican to reach the Hall of Fame. His roots were emphasized by fellow countryman and Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor, who grew up idolizing Beltran.

“Growing up in Puerto Rico, Carlos was an important role model to so many of us. After getting to know him personally, I saw firsthand what an exceptional father, leader, and role model he truly is,” Lindor said of Beltran. “He paved the way for future generations of Puerto Rican baseball players and set them on a path to success. For that, he truly deserves this moment.”

During his two decades in the majors, Beltran spent most of the 2000s in Queens, playing alongside David Wright, Carlos Delgado, and José Reyes for several seasons. While the Hall of Fame remains a long shot for Wright, whose career was cut short due to injury, he credited Beltran for his leadership as a veteran teammate.

“I remember being a young player in Port St. Lucie in my first Spring Training and looking at you and trying to emulate your game as best as I could,” Wright said of Beltran. “When I think of five-tool players, you are one of the first faces that come to mind. And to top it off with your work ethic.”

Beltran also received congratulations from former Mets infielder Jeff Kent, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in December via the Contemporary Baseball Era committee ballot. The 2026 class includes Beltran, Kent, and former Braves slugger Andruw Jones.

“I know your family is proud of you, and I can’t wait until you and I meet up again in Cooperstown, where we’ll be inducted into the most prestigious class in all of sports — the Baseball Hall of Fame,” Kent said. “Good luck my brother. I look forward to seeing you in July.”

This summer, Beltran could become the third player to don a Mets cap on his Hall of Fame plaque. He played for seven teams from 1998-2017, but collected more homers, doubles, RBI, and runs scored with the Mets than anywhere else. 

His seven seasons (839 total games) with the Mets also produced a career-best 31.1 WAR, and his three Gold Glove awards were won while wearing orange and blue.

The Mets also posted a video to X/Twitter that featured former managers Willie Randolph and Jerry Manuel, among other icons, lauding Beltran.

A special message from some of Carlos’ former teammates and managers! 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/zB4QyUVdvb

— New York Mets (@Mets) January 20, 2026

CHICAGO (AP) — Guard Josh Giddey is just about ready to return to the Chicago Bulls’ lineup after being sidelined the past three weeks because of a strained left hamstring, coach Billy Donovan said Tuesday.

Donovan said prior to the game against the Los Angeles Clippers that Giddey could return at Minnesota on Thursday. The Australian missed his 11th game in a row.

“Feels pretty good,” Donovan said. “I think it’s just waiting to hear from the medical of what they want to do and how Josh feels. But everything that I’ve gotten from Josh in medical is that there were no setbacks and he’s doing well.”

Giddey has not played since a loss to New Orleans on Dec. 31. He walked off the court gingerly in the first minute of the second half in that game.

Giddey has performed at an All-Star level in his second season in Chicago since a trade from Oklahoma City. He is averaging a team-high 19.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9 assists, and has seven triple-doubles.

“I don’t know what the cutoff point is in terms of missed games and things like that, but before he got hurt, I think you could certainly make the argument he was playing at that level for strong consideration,” Donovan said.

The Bulls were ninth in the Eastern Conference at 20-22 entering Tuesday’s game. Forward Patrick Williams sat out because of a sprained right ankle and is day to day. ___

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba