South Korea exits World Cup group stage, prompting reform calls

28 Mwezi wa sita, 2026

South Korea's national football team has been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage. Hopes ended on June 27 when the Democratic Republic of the Congo defeated Uzbekistan in Atlanta.

South Korea had largely been eliminated after losing to South Africa on June 25. Confirmation came when the Democratic Republic of the Congo beat Uzbekistan on June 27 in Atlanta.

Editorials in the Korea Times and Korea JoongAng Daily called for immediate resignation of coach Hong Myung-bo and KFA President Chung Mong-gyu.

Japan has pursued a long-term vision with players moving to European leagues, while Korea has repeatedly changed managers without a consistent identity, the editorials noted.

They urged grassroots reform and structural changes at the Korea Football Association.

Watu wanasema nini

Initial reactions on X express disappointment at South Korea's group-stage exit, note the president's calls for reforms and investigation into the national team, highlight the coach's resignation, and include skeptical comments on external blame.

South Korea has been eliminated from the World Cup. pic.twitter.com/1NbGoSisO4

— Pop Base (@PopBase) 28 Juni 2026

South Korea president Lee Jae Myung says he is “utterly baffled” at the national team’s World Cup group-stage exit and called for the country’s sports ministry to investigate.

President Lee appeared to criticise the South Korean football association’s (KFA) appointment of head… pic.twitter.com/cDfgQXKcrv

— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) 28 Juni 2026

South Korea is now out of the World Cup, a complete disaster especially after the way it started

— Zealand (@theoldzealand) 28 Juni 2026

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday, a day after his side's group-stage exit from the World Cup and following condemnation from the country's president.

Read more: https://t.co/nVzL22AbEP pic.twitter.com/WNgFBoQJWF

— The Manila Times (@TheManilaTimes) 29 Juni 2026

South Korea was eliminated in the group stage of the FIFA WC. While they were initially pleased with their easy group, now Koreans are complaining that Japan didn't help them and spreading rumors that adjustments were made in other groups to exclude them. What a pathetic nation.

— 海の上の少年 (@anokorono_boku) 29 Juni 2026

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