FIFA: South Korea needs generational change and rebuilding

FIFA has evaluated the performance of Asian nations in the 2026 World Cup, identifying a pressing need for generational change and team reconstruction within South Korean football. The global governing body noted that while South Korea began their campaign with a promising 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic, their momentum faltered. Subsequent 0-1 losses to co-hosts Mexico and South Africa resulted in an early exit from the group stage, marking their third group-stage elimination in the last four World Cups.

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With Son Heung-min now 34 years old, South Korea appears to require a significant rebuilding phase.

Following the disappointing results, head coach Hong Myung-bo departed the team. FIFA pointed out that with captain Son Heung-min now 34 years old, South Korea appears to require a significant rebuilding phase. To achieve success in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and to present a stronger performance on the world stage in 2030, FIFA stressed the importance of emerging talents like Lee Kang-in taking on more prominent roles within the squad.

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To achieve success in the upcoming AFC Asian Cup and to present a stronger performance on the world stage in 2030, it is necessary for key talents like Lee Kang-in to step forward.