On the morning of June 28 (Vietnam time), the victory of the DRC over Uzbekistan officially pushed South Korea out of the group of 8 third-placed teams with the best results, thereby failing to qualify for the round of 32.
Closing Group A with 3 points and a goal difference of -1, the kimchi team no longer has a chance to advance as many third-placed teams in other groups have achieved better results.
After the journey at the 2026 World Cup closed, Korean media simultaneously expressed disappointment with the team's performance. Many comments said that South Korea had lost their opportunity when they could not show their bravery in the decisive matches.
Some opinions believe that the team lacks sharpness in their playing style, and has not maintained its effectiveness after the victory over the Czech Republic in the opening match. Two consecutive defeats against Mexico and South Africa have caused South Korea to lose the advantage, despite being considered to be in a relatively favorable group.
Besides, experts also believe that this is one of the disappointing World Cups of Korean football in recent years. The team has not made an impression in terms of expertise, while the pillars, especially captain Son Heung-min, have not shown the expected form.
After the team was eliminated, many opinions turned their attention to the Korean Football Federation and the coaching staff. Public opinion believes that Korean football needs to quickly re-evaluate the preparation work, how to build the playing style as well as the team's development strategy in the coming period.
Stopping right from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup not only closes South Korea's journey at this year's tournament but also poses many challenges for the team's rebuilding process towards major goals in the future.
