South Korea Survives World Cup Scare, Advances to Round of 32
By MK Choi | 26 Jun, 2026

Despite Wednesday's loss to South Africa, S. Korea's point total kept it among the 8 best third-place teams for a spot in the sudden-elimination round of 32.

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - Group A - Mexico v South Korea - Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico - June 18, 2026 South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo after the half time whistle REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

South Korea breathed a collective sigh of relief as results from the rest of the World Cup group stage confirmed them as one of the eight best third-place teams, earning a spot in the Round of 32 despite their gut-wrenching 1-0 loss to South Africa on Wednesday.

The Taegeuk Warriors finish Group A with three points and a minus-1 goal difference — enough to advance in the tournament’s newly expanded 48-team format.  Coach Hong Myung-bo, who shouldered full blame for his controversial decision to bench captain Son Heung-min for the decisive match — the first time Son had ever been left out of the starting lineup in his entire international career — now must rally a stunned squad for the knockout stage.

Son, who came on at halftime against South Africa without impact, will be looking to make his mark as the tournament enters its more consequential phase, potentially in what may be the final World Cup of his remarkable international career.