South Korea's Football Needs Rebuilding, FIFA Says After World Cup Exit

FIFA’s analysis of the 2026 North America World Cup concluded that South Korea must rebuild its national team. The Korean side, along with Iran, finished third in Group A and failed to advance, while only Japan and Australia among the nine Asian participants reached the round of 16. FIFA noted that head coach Hong Myung‑bo has left the post and that veteran striker Son Heung‑min, now 34, is approaching the end of his international career. The governing body urged the Korean Football Association to develop a new generation, highlighting the importance of midfielder Lee Kang‑in as a core talent for future success, especially ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and the 2030 World Cup cycle. FIFA emphasized that to improve performance on the global stage, South Korea must focus on nurturing young prospects and achieving better results in upcoming continental competitions.