FIFA urges South Korea to fast-track generational shift led by Lee Kang-in

South Korea faces FIFA’s call for urgent generational shift

FIFA has called for South Korea to accelerate its post-Son Heung-min transition after the 2026 World Cup. The governing body singled out Lee Kang-in as the leader needed to steer the team toward 2030 following the team’s group-stage exit with a 1-2 record.

Standing: 3rd in group (3 pts), 1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses (last result: South Africa 1-0 South Korea on 2026-06-25, two straight defeats).

Why FIFA is zeroing in on South Korea

FIFA’s post-tournament review highlighted South Korea’s promising start-a 2-1 win over Czechia-before back-to-back 0-1 losses to co-hosts Mexico and South Africa sealed the group-stage exit. After Hong Myung-bo stepped down as head coach, FIFA stated that “with Son Heung-min turning 34, South Korea can no longer postpone generational change.” Lee Kang-in has been identified as the cornerstone of that transition and the key to better results at the 2030 World Cup.

With the AFC Asian Cup looming, South Korea’s path forward is clear: FIFA stressed that “to deliver strong Asian Cup performances and improve at the 2030 World Cup, core talents like Lee Kang-in must step into the spotlight.”

Asia’s 9 nations: only Japan and Australia reach Round of 32

FIFA’s review of Asia’s nine World Cup entrants showed Japan and Australia as the only teams to advance past the group stage. South Korea and Iran finished third in their groups, while Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan failed to win a single point. South Korea’s group-stage exit marked its third in the last four World Cups since Brazil 2014.

Next step for South Korea: when to begin the 2030 climb

FIFA’s prescription is straightforward: accelerate the generational shift around Lee Kang-in. With Son Heung-min now 34, the team needs fresh leadership. Strong Asian Cup results and a stronger 2030 World Cup will hinge on young stars like Lee stepping up. The question now is how South Korea will respond to FIFA’s diagnosis.

Recent form (last 5): 3 wins, 0 draws, 2 losses (LLWWW, two defeats to close).