South Korean media outlets have expressed significant anger and disappointment following the national team’s crucial 1-0 defeat to South Africa in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier. The widespread criticism is primarily directed at national team coach Hong Myung Bo, specifically for his controversial decision to bench star player Son Heung-min for the entirety of the first half.
The match, a pivotal encounter in their qualifying group, saw South Korea fall to a narrow 1-0 loss. This result significantly jeopardized their qualification hopes, as it meant the team forfeited their chance to secure second place in Group A, a position now claimed by South Africa. Consequently, South Korea now finds itself in a precarious third-place standing within their group, anxiously awaiting the results of other groups to determine if they can progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
The decision to keep the 33-year-old forward, a key figure for the national squad, on the bench during such a high-stakes fixture ignited a firestorm of criticism. Publications across South Korea universally condemned Coach Myung Bo’s team selection and tactical approach. Star News Korea, for instance, ran a headline directly criticizing the coach’s choice as the ‘worst player selection,’ arguing that Son’s absence from the starting lineup was a critical error.
The media further asserted that Myung Bo’s strategy against South Africa lacked effectiveness and clarity. Star News Korea went on to describe the coach as having the ‘weakest relationship’ with his players, suggesting potential internal communication issues within the squad. Concerns were also raised about the coach’s decision to start Hwang Hee-chan and Oh Hyeon-gyu in attacking roles instead of Son. This particular lineup, critics argued, left the team without the necessary attacking sharpness in a decisive group stage match.
When Son was eventually introduced in the second half, he reportedly faced immense pressure from South Africa’s robust defense. Furthermore, the lack of adequate support from his teammates meant Son struggled to break through the defensive lines, ultimately limiting his potential impact. Dailian, another prominent media outlet, labeled Son’s initial benching as a ‘major mistake’ by the coach. Sports News Nate echoed these sentiments, reporting that the former Tottenham Hotspur player was profoundly disappointed by his national team coach’s decision.
Currently, South Korea finds itself positioned third in their qualifying group, with their fate hanging in the balance. Their qualification for the next stage hinges on other group results, particularly from remaining matches in other groups. While South Korea currently holds three points, placing them among the best third-placed teams contenders, their chances are gradually diminishing. Teams like Sweden, Ecuador, Bosnia, and Paraguay are in a stronger position, having already accumulated four points in their respective groups, giving them a higher probability of advancing to the Round of 32. South Korea shares its three-point tally with teams such as Croatia, Algeria, and Scotland, all of whom are also currently in third place within their respective groups and are yet to play their final group matches.
