South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has apologised to citizens following the country’s early elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blaming poor leadership and incompetence within the nation’s football administration.
South Korea exited the tournament in the group stage after finishing behind co-hosts Mexico and South Africa despite opening their campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic.
In a statement on X, Lee criticised the appointment of “incompetent people” to key positions and pledged sweeping reforms to the country’s sports administration to prevent similar failures.
The disappointing campaign has also intensified pressure on coach Hong Myung-bo, while captain Son Heung-min is widely expected to retire from international football after another heartbreaking World Cup exit.
