South Korea out of World Cup after DR Congo win confirms elimination

South Korea's dream of reaching the Round of 32 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been extinguished, leading to a somber and unceremonious end for the team. The "Hong Myung-bo's ship" will return home without any official reception, with players set to disperse due to logistical challenges.

The final nail in the coffin came on June 28, when the Democratic Republic of Congo secured a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in their group stage match. This result meant that despite their efforts, South Korea, who finished third in Group A with one win and two losses after their final match against South Africa, could not secure one of the coveted spots in the expanded 48-team tournament.

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The players looked devastated when DR Congo scored the winning goal and then another.

Even with the expanded format offering chances for top third-placed teams, South Korea's fate was sealed. The team had anxiously watched results, hoping for a specific scenario to materialize. The loss by Uzbekistan in their crucial match dashed any remaining hopes, leaving the players in a state of disbelief as they watched the decisive goals being scored.

The team's return journey is further complicated by difficulties in securing flights, forcing the squad to split into smaller groups for their return to Korea. Some players will head directly to their respective clubs due to scheduling conflicts. The lack of a formal welcome ceremony mirrors the team's performance, a situation not seen since the 1990 World Cup when they lost all three matches. Coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to address his future at a press conference.

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It is difficult to secure return flights, and due to various safety concerns, no separate media activities will be held.