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'All the luck in the world': Lee Kang-in's plea as South Korea's World Cup hopes dim
๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท South Korea /Sports

'All the luck in the world': Lee Kang-in's plea as South Korea's World Cup hopes dim

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korea faces an uncertain path in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers after finishing third in Group A with one win and two losses.
  • Star player Lee Kang-in expressed a strong desire for luck for the team, highlighting the team's challenging situation.
  • The team's performance has left fans anxious as they await their fate in the qualification process.

South Korea's hopes for the 2026 World Cup are hanging precariously after a disappointing group stage performance. Under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean team concluded the group stage with a record of one win and two losses, accumulating three points and securing third place in Group A.

This result places them in a vulnerable position, with their qualification for the next round now dependent on factors beyond their immediate control. The team's star player, Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, conveyed the team's collective anxiety and hope. "I wish all the luck in the world would come our way," Lee reportedly said, his frustration evident as he struck the ground.

The team's performance has left supporters in South Korea in a state of anxious anticipation. The narrow defeat in their final group match has amplified the pressure, as the team now must wait and hope for favorable outcomes in other matches to advance.

The article from Chosun Ilbo emphasizes the emotional toll on the players and the palpable tension among the fanbase. The path forward is unclear, and the team's journey in the World Cup qualifiers remains a subject of intense concern.

I wish all the luck in the world would come our way.

โ€” Lee Kang-inSouth Korean star player Lee Kang-in expressing the team's hope and anxiety regarding their 2026 World Cup qualification chances.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.