South Korea faces 30-year gap with Japan in football

The Korea Football Association is in crisis after finishing 3rd (3pts, 1W-2L) in the 2026 North America World Cup. While recording 3 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss in the last 5 games (WWWLD), the gap with Japan is estimated to be 30 years. Experts point to 'Son Heung-min dependence' and flaws in youth development as fundamental issues.

Challenges for young players

South Korean young players face numerous obstacles such as professional debut, national top 8 qualification, and military service. Players aiming for university admission focus on 'result-oriented' football to qualify for the national top 8. Even after turning professional, they struggle with reserve team life and military service, leading to stagnation in skills.

Comparison with Japan

While Japan employs practical football strategies, South Korea has lost its characteristic perseverance. Japanese representative midfielder Kamada Daichi said, 'Unless football surpasses baseball as Japan's top sport, winning the World Cup will be difficult.' In South Korea, professional sports popularity is higher for baseball than football, but the World Cup national team's popularity is unparalleled.

Korean football system in need of reform

The Korean football system, led by 'super elites,' results in a structure where only a few players dominate. The national team inevitably becomes overly dependent on star players. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has launched the 'K-Football Reform Committee' to push for governance reform. However, fundamental reform of the youth system is urgently needed.