South Korea eliminated from 2026 World Cup as Congo DR clinches last round‑of‑32 berth

South Korea’s men’s national football team failed to advance to the round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After losing 1‑0 to South Africa and finishing the group stage with three points, the team needed a narrow win or draw for Uzbekistan over Congo DR. On 28 June, Congo DR overturned a 1‑0 deficit to beat Uzbekistan 3‑1 in Atlanta, securing the final wild‑card spot and confirming South Korea’s elimination. The defeat marked South Korea’s first group‑stage exit since the 2018 tournament and its ninth overall. Coach Hong Myung‑bo faced criticism, with calls for his resignation and a parliamentary petition to fire him. The Congo DR victory also gave the Central African side its first World Cup knockout‑stage appearance. Parallel matches, such as Croatia’s 2‑1 win over Ghana, further narrowed the scenarios for Korea’s survival, but none could alter the outcome.