World Cup exit leaves South Korean football in crisis
After crashing out of the World Cup, BBC Sport investigates the rise and fall of South Korean football.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""I am genuinely very sorry.""
— Hong Myung-bo , Athlete
""It is miserable that we've come to this moment where we have to look back and ask why we ended up here.""
— Park Ji-sung , Athlete
""the worst match by a Korean football team in the 21st century""
— Lee Young-pyo , Athlete
""When favouritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper.""
— Lee Jae-myung , Politician
Key People
Chung Mong-gyu is the president of the Korea Football Association.
A South Korean footballer and coach with a notable history in international tournaments.
Lee Jae-myung is a South Korean politician and leader of the Democratic Party.
Lee Young-pyo is a former South Korean football defender.
Park Ji-sung is a former South Korean footballer and Manchester United star.
Son Heung-min is a South Korean professional footballer celebrated for his goal-scoring ability and application.
Tags
All Coverage
After crashing out of the World Cup, BBC Sport investigates the rise and fall of South Korean football.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Using international football to reignite Premier League dreams
Before his potential Premier League debut for Fulham, BBC Sport looks at the role international football has played in the development of players like Shea Charles.
August 23, 2026 at 06:48 PMNepal declines foreign rescue help, South Korea says it is 'negotiating' - Reuters
Nepal declines foreign rescue help, South Korea says it is 'negotiating' Reuters
August 28, 2026 at 06:40 AMEngland World Cup hopes end after Netherlands draw
England's chances of World Cup glory are over after they draw 2-2 with the Netherlands.
August 24, 2026 at 08:40 PMNordic nations say they have lost confidence in Infantino and FIFA governance - Reuters
Nordic nations say they have lost confidence in Infantino and FIFA governance Reuters
August 23, 2026 at 01:56 PMIreland below standards in World Cup loss to Scotland
Ireland coach Gareth Grundie describes the performance in the 2-1 World Cup defeat by Scotland as "not to the standard that we'd set ourselves".
August 22, 2026 at 12:24 PMThe 50-year-old amateur footballer who became a viral inspiration
Craig Kirby thought about quitting football following the death of his son - at 50, he didn't expect to go viral documenting his final season.
August 29, 2026 at 05:30 AM