The South Korea national football team returned home on December 7 after reaching the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup for the first time in twelve years. Captain Son Heung-min and 22 other players from the squad arrived at Incheon International Airport, where they were greeted by enthusiastic fans. In the World Cup, the Taegeuk Warriors drew 0-0 with Uruguay in their opening match, lost 3-2 to Ghana, but managed to upset Portugal 2-1 to advance to the round of 16. However, they faced a tough challenge against world No. 1 Brazil, losing 4-1. Upon their return, players took time to take selfies and sign autographs for fans at the airport. Head coach Paulo Bento announced after the Brazil match that he would not return as the team's coach, ending his tenure that began in August 2018. This was South Korea's third appearance in the knockout stage, having previously reached the semifinals in 2002 and the round of 16 in 2010.