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South Korea Eliminated from 2026 World Cup
28 Jun
Summary
- South Korea is out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.
- The team finished as the 10th-best third-place team with three points.
- A 1-0 defeat to South Africa sealed their disappointing exit.

South Korea's journey in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has concluded with their elimination from the tournament. The team entered the final day of group stage matches with hopes of advancing as one of the best third-place teams, but unfavorable results dashed those aspirations. They finished the group stage with three points, marking a disappointing outcome for the squad. Their performance placed them as the 10th-best third-place team, falling short of the required progression.
The team's campaign began with a promising 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia. However, subsequent matches proved challenging. A loss to Mexico was followed by a critical 1-0 defeat against South Africa, a result that significantly impacted their chances of advancing. Notably, star player Son Heung-min was not in the starting lineup for the final group match, with concerns raised about the team's necessary urgency.