South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has condemned the country’s premature South Korea World Cup exit, blaming incompetent leadership and apologising to the nation for the group-stage humiliation

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has strongly condemned the country’s early exit from the 2026 World Cup, pointing the finger at “incompetent people” and apologising to the nation for the profound disappointment caused by the team’s group-stage elimination.

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The turbulent campaign in North America ended at the group phase, dashing hopes of reaching the knockout rounds as one of the best third-placed teams and potentially marking the international retirement of captain Son Heung-min.

After three days of anxious waiting following a shock 1-0 loss to lower-ranked South Africa, results went against South Korea, sending them home from the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The much-maligned coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to face dismissal or resignation, with the president promising wholesale reform of sports administration.

“When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable,” Lee said in a post on X on Sunday 28 June 2026.

Lee added that the government would move swiftly to reform sports administration to prevent similar failures in future. The remarks come amid fierce domestic criticism of the team’s performance, with Yonhap News Agency describing the exit as “dismal” and a “humiliation”.

South Korea had the last 32 within grasp but suffered defeats to Mexico and South Africa after an opening win against the Czech Republic. The tournament was also overshadowed by tensions between the squad and local media, including a drone incident during training.

Son Heung-min, who turns 34 next month and now plays for Los Angeles FC, has hinted at international retirement in the past, with local media suggesting this World Cup may mark the end of his national team journey after 56 goals for his country.

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This South Korea World Cup exit has triggered widespread national soul-searching, with expectations of significant changes in football governance and coaching structures as the country reflects on a disappointing campaign.