Tom Byer urged Korean football to build a long-term youth development system after the national team's group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup.
Hong Myung-bo resigned as head coach at a press conference near Guadalajara, Mexico, after the team finished the 2026 World Cup with one win and two losses.
Byer said in a July 6 video interview that "changing the head coach might produce quick tournament results, but that alone cannot replace a long-term player development system." He stressed the importance of ball control skills during the "golden age" between ages 2 and 5.
He cited Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in as examples who "are not produced in formal academy systems" but start at home. Byer recommended that the Korea Football Association and K League review a Scottish Football Association white paper published in October 2025.
