South Korea started the tournament promisingly, coming from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1. However, they subsequently disappointed, losing 0-1 to both Mexico and South Africa. This left them hoping for a wildcard spot. This year's format allowed the 8 best third-placed teams, in addition to the top two from each group, to advance to the round of 16.

A series of unfavorable results unfolded for South Korea, culminating in Uzbekistan's 1-3 comeback defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo on 27/6. An article in Star News Korea described the scene: "The players watched the match with anxious hearts and were completely devastated. They had to endure the humiliation of receiving a 'punishment' from another nation's result, rather than through their own efforts."

South Korean player Lee Gi-hyeok (3) shows disappointment after the 0-1 loss to South Africa in the final Group A match of the 2026 World Cup, at Moterrey stadium in Mexico on 24/6. *AP*.

Despite statistical agencies predicting a 90% chance of advancement after their final Group A loss to South Africa, South Korea ultimately fell into the remaining 10%. South Korean media suggested that even luck abandoned coach Hong Myung-bo's squad during their performance.

"Even heaven and earth are indifferent to the South Korean national team," Sports Chosun commented. "They squandered every possible advancement scenario, cruelly dashing fan expectations."

MK Sports labeled this South Korea's most disastrous tournament. The team, widely regarded as their strongest since the 2002 World Cup, boasting stars such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae, concluded the competition with what was called "the worst performance."

"A basket of beads is worthless if you don't know how to string them together," an article on Best Eleven metaphorically stated. "South Korea delivered a shameful result, worse than past performances despite their growing squad strength."

At Gwanghwamun Square, Sports Khan interviewed fan Shin Ho-jin. The 26-year-old asserted that South Korean football has not developed, merely preserving group interests. "It is better to go home quickly than to play another match with such a performance and tactics, only to endure further international humiliation," Shin stated.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung also expressed his indignation, posting a 787-word article on X. "This unexpected result has left me shocked and utterly bewildered," Lee stated. "I am deeply sorry that this absurd situation has profoundly disappointed the people."

The 63-year-old President attributed the failure to the Korea Football Association (KFA)'s shortcomings in management and personnel appointments. He urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to thoroughly assess this failure, analyze its causes, and develop measures to prevent recurrence and improve the situation.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young subsequently confirmed that discussions would be held to identify the root causes. On X, he wrote: "I am so disheartened I don't know what to do, only able to stare at the sky. South Korean football is in a quagmire. Now we must lift our spirits and start anew."

South Korean fans show disappointment after the 0-1 loss to South Africa in the final Group A match of the 2026 World Cup, played at Moterrey stadium in Mexico, while watching at an outdoor venue in Seoul, South Korea on 25/6. *AP*.

South Korean football legend Park Ji-sung expressed feeling "heartbroken." Commenting on JTBC television, the former midfielder, who played 100 matches for the national team, stated that South Korea had learned how to prepare for the World Cup but quickly forgot, repeating errors from the 2014 tournament in Brazil. That year, the national team, also under coach Hong Myung-bo, was eliminated in the group stage.

Criticism intensified against the coach, born in 1969, especially as the World Cup expanded from 32 to 48 teams. Under pressure, coach Hong, whose contract runs until the end of the 2027 Asian Cup, is widely expected to resign.

Osen newspaper reported that South Korea is likely to return home quietly, foregoing a traditional welcoming ceremony. This decision reportedly aims to prevent a fan protest at the airport, similar to past incidents. In 2014, some fans threw malt candy at coach Hong's squad. Four years later, coach Shin Tae-yong's team also faced a "rain of raw eggs."

Malt candy is known as "yeot" in Korean. The phrase "eating malt candy" in Korean colloquial language and slang is also understood as a curse word, signifying hatred or a boycott.

Meanwhile, the British newspaper Guardian suggested that South Korea faced issues even before the tournament began. Firstly, KFA President Chung Mong-gyu announced his resignation after the 2026 World Cup, amidst accusations of poor management and slow adaptation. Furthermore, upon the team's arrival in Mexico, a conflict erupted between the squad and the media following the leak of an audio recording mocking Son Heung-min, casting a shadow over their relationship.