South Korea's campaign at the 2026 World Cup ended in early disappointment after the team failed to advance beyond the group stage, dropping out following two defeats. The squad, which was based in Mexico's Monterrey for part of the tournament, lost both of its opening matches and was eliminated before the knockout rounds.
President Lee Jae Myung responded sharply, accusing the national squad's organization and the decision to appoint former player Hong Myung‑bo as head coach as key factors behind the poor performance.
Calls for Reform
Hong Myung‑bo, who also guided the side in the 2014 edition that met the same group‑stage fate, faced renewed scrutiny as the president demanded a thorough analysis of the team's strategy and leadership.
In response, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced it would launch a review of the national football program, promising structural changes and new oversight mechanisms to prevent a repeat of the setback.
The episode has sparked a broader conversation about the future of Korean football, with fans and analysts alike watching closely how the promised reforms will be implemented.