South Korea HubSouth Korea's national football team has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team's lackluster performance and coach Hong Myung-bo's tactics have been criticized. They scored only 2 goals in 3 games and failed to advance to the next round.
What went wrong?
South Korea scored only 2 goals in 3 games. This is the first time since the 1998 France World Cup. Coach Hong Myung-bo was asked about preparing tactics for the opposing team, and he said, "I think it's not good for the players to change the way they play suddenly."
What are the results?
South Korea failed to advance to the next round, ranking 8th among the 12 groups. Iran, which had a delayed entry due to visa issues, achieved better results than South Korea. Cape Verde also overcame adverse conditions with tactics and enthusiasm, advancing to the round of 32 in their first World Cup appearance.
What is needed?
South Korea needs new tactics and player enthusiasm. Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "Everything is my responsibility," but he shifted the blame for the defeat to the players, citing goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu's mistake.
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-11-18 | Ghana | 1-0 win |
Current situation
League standing: 3rd in FIFA World Cup 2026, 3 pts, 1W-0D-2L from 3 games, recent form LLW. Goals this season: 2 scored, 3 conceded (-1 goal difference). Title race: 6 points behind leaders Mexico.
