The Korean women's basketball team was caught by underdog Venezuela in the FIBA World Cup pre-qualifying tournament.

South Korea, led by head coach Park Soo-ho, lost 78-84 to Venezuela in the first Group A match of the 2026 FIBA Women's World Cup preliminary qualifying round at Himnacio Juan de la Barrera in Mexico City, Mexico on the 20th..

Korea ranks 13th in the FIBA rankings, while Venezuela ranks 36th. However, the team lost to Venezuela, which is 24 places lower, leaving a regret.

Korea led 62-60 until the third quarter, but was upset in the fourth quarter when it allowed a series of outside shots to its opponents. Park Ji-soo tied the game with 3:24 left, but was later beaten again by three-pointers and kneeled down.

In Korea, Park Ji-hyun scored 19 points and 6 rebounds, and Kang Yi-seul scored 17 points and 3 assists. Park Ji-soo also had 14 points and 6 rebounds, but the team's defeat faded.

For Venezuela, Waleska Perez played an active role with 22 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, including three three-point shots. On the day, Korea's field goal success rate was only 43.5 percent, falling short of Venezuela's 48.5 percent.

In this year's FIBA Women's World Cup qualifying tournament, which will feature eight countries from Group A and B. Korea belongs to Group A along with the Czech Republic, Venezuela, and Mali. Group B includes Mexico, Montenegro, New Zealand, and Mozambique.

South Korea will continue its matches with the Czech Republic on the 21st and Mali on the 23rd.

After the game, coach Park Soo-ho said, "We didn't even get 10% of the preparation," adding, "We will play well as we prepared well for the remaining matches against the Czech Republic and Mali."

"We lacked movement on the offensive side, and we did not play well in defense," Kang said. "I think the rebound made a difference because we were short. I will pay attention to the basics."