June 29, 2026
South Korea exit World Cup after group-stage disappointment
South Korea were eliminated from the World Cup after finishing third in Group A and missing out on a place among the best third-placed teams. The exit has intensified criticism of coach Hong Myung-bo and raised questions over Son Heung-min's international future.
June 29, 2026
SEOUL: South Korea's World Cup campaign ended in the group stage on Saturday after other results went against them following a three-day wait to see whether they would progress as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
Hong Myung-bo's side finished third in Group A behind co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. South Korea opened their tournament with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic, but then lost 1-0 to Mexico before suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat to lower-ranked South Africa on Wednesday, a result that proved decisive in their elimination.
The South Korea coach came under scrutiny after leaving captain Son Heung-min on the bench against South Africa in a decision that did not pay off. The tournament was also marked by tensions between the squad and local media, while a drone disrupted a key training session before the defeat to Mexico.
Reaction in South Korea was sharply critical. Yonhap News Agency described the exit as dismal and said the team had suffered the humiliation of a group-stage departure after days of anxious hope. Newsis carried the headline: Fortune deserts Hong Myung-bo's side.
Questions over Son and Hong
Son, the former Tottenham forward who now plays for Los Angeles FC, has previously suggested he could retire from international football. Sports Chosun said the tournament could mark the end of his World Cup journey with South Korea. He has scored 56 goals for his country and turns 34 next month.
President Lee Jae Myung also commented on the elimination and directly criticised Hong while questioning the process through which he was appointed.
"When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable," Lee said in a post on X. "I offer my deepest apologies to the public for the profound disappointment caused by this unacceptable outcome."
"We will move swiftly to reform sports administration to ensure that nothing like this happens again," he added.
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