FC Seoul Clinches K League 1 Title After 10-Year Wait

FC Seoul has reclaimed the summit of South Korean professional football, securing the 2026 K League 1 championship with a 1-1 draw against Gangwon FC at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Saturday.

The result lifted Seoul to 67 points from 33 matches, built on 20 wins, seven draws and six defeats. With second-place Ulsan HD also drawing 2-2 against Pohang Steelers, Seoul established an unassailable lead before the league splits into its final-round groups. Five matches remain, but the title can no longer change hands.

It is Seoul’s seventh top-flight championship when the club’s history as Anyang LG is included, and its first since 2016. The early finish also places Seoul among the small group of clubs to have secured the K League 1 crown with at least five matches remaining under the current split-round format.

Gangwon created the better chances in the opening half and nearly took the lead from the penalty spot in stoppage time. Seoul goalkeeper Gu Sung-yun read Kim Dae-won’s attempt, made the save and then stopped the follow-up to keep the match scoreless at halftime. His intervention preserved the platform Seoul needed to complete its title run in front of 30,022 spectators.

Seoul broke through in the 58th minute. Anderson intercepted a pass in Gangwon territory and moved the ball to Moon Seon-min, who struck a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area into the left corner. The goal triggered celebrations among players and supporters who knew the championship was within reach.

Gangwon responded seven minutes later. Kim Dae-won held possession in the attacking area and released the overlapping Kang Jun-hyuk, who finished through Gu’s legs for his first professional goal. Seoul later pushed for a winner, with Kamil Klimala twice threatening with headers, but Gangwon goalkeeper Lee Gwang-yeon denied both efforts.

The draw was enough because Ulsan failed to win its own match. Seoul’s achievement was confirmed at the end of the regular round, before the top six clubs begin Final A. The championship ends the capital club’s 10-year wait and rewards a season in which it built a decisive advantage well before the final stretch.