In a stunning twist at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, five South Korean footballers have found themselves at the center of harsh criticism, as Japanese football outlet Football Channel named them in its 'Worst Eleven' for Asian players. The list, unveiled on July 10, 2026, includes some of Korea’s most celebrated names—Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, Seol Young-woo, and Kim Seung-gyu—reflecting the nation’s disappointing group stage exit and the broader struggles of Asian teams at this year’s tournament.
South Korea’s World Cup campaign began with promise, snatching a 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic. But the optimism quickly faded. A 0-1 defeat to Mexico on June 19, 2026, followed by another 0-1 loss to South Africa on June 25, left Korea third in their group with only three points. The squad’s fate hung in the balance, dependent on the results of other groups for a potential lifeline into the knockout stage—a hope that ultimately slipped away.
Football Channel’s selection of the 'Worst Eleven' was a gut punch for Korean football fans, with the outlet noting, “Asia sent nine nations to the World Cup, but only Japan and Australia reached the knockouts, and both fell at the round of 32. Questions about the competitiveness of Asian football have never been louder.”
Son Heung-min, the LAFC forward and Korean captain, was singled out as the most disappointing figure. Despite his status as Asia’s all-time top scorer with 56 goals, Son failed to register a single goal or assist across three group matches. As Football Channel put it, “Son Heung-min is hailed as the greatest Asian footballer in history, but in this tournament, his reputation took a major hit.” The report continued, “He couldn’t make a decisive impact, and the sharpness of his prime seemed to have vanished. Even without the morale-sapping controversy over his military exemption, his lack of involvement in goals meant he couldn’t avoid this list.”
The criticism wasn’t limited to Son. Lee Kang-in, the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, also made the list, though the outlet acknowledged his individual efforts. “Lee Kang-in’s pass success rate was 93%, and he was the main outlet in Korea’s build-up play,” Football Channel wrote. Yet, his ability to produce decisive moments was questioned: “What was expected of Lee was a game-changing presence in front of goal. He notched one assist against the Czech Republic but failed to score. The blame lies less with Lee and more with a team that failed to maximize his attacking talents, overburdening him with defensive and build-up responsibilities.”
Lee Jae-sung’s inclusion in the 'Worst Eleven' came less from his on-field performance and more from off-field drama. The Mainz midfielder was dropped from the starting lineup in the final group match against South Africa, reportedly due to internal team conflicts. Football Channel referenced Korean media reports that Lee had advocated for a player interview boycott, fueling division within the squad. “If a player’s actions off the pitch fracture team unity, the responsibility is significant,” the outlet remarked.
Perhaps no player embodied the turbulence of Korea’s campaign more than Seol Young-woo. Touted pre-tournament as a modern side-back capable of excelling on either flank, Seol’s tournament was marred by positional uncertainty and underwhelming performances. He was shuffled between right and left wing-back, never settling into a defined role. “Seol Young-woo was expected to lead the team higher, but his quality fell short and he became a symbol of the team’s confusion,” Football Channel wrote. The criticism intensified after the South Africa defeat, when Seol’s agency announced plans for legal action against malicious online comments. The move, intended to protect the player, instead poured fuel on the fire of public anger. As the agency stated, “We are continuously monitoring posts and comments. There will be no leniency or settlements regarding malicious slander.” Football Channel observed, “Announcing legal action while the team’s fate was still undecided only fanned the flames of controversy.”
Kim Seung-gyu’s World Cup was a rollercoaster. The FC Tokyo goalkeeper produced several fine saves throughout the group stage, but a single costly error against Mexico proved decisive. In the 50th minute, Kim collided with a teammate while attempting to claim a high ball, spilling it and conceding the only goal of the match. “While it may be harsh to include Kim based on his overall play, the price of his mistake was enormous,” Football Channel reasoned. “That goal broke Korea’s momentum and ultimately contributed to their exit.”
The 'Worst Eleven' wasn’t exclusively Korean, but the presence of five players from one nation underscored the scale of the disappointment. The list also featured Abdulrahman Al-Amri and Firas Al-Buraikan from Saudi Arabia, Pedro Miguel, Homam Ahmed, and Assim Madibo from Qatar, and Japan’s Gento Shiogai. Football Channel’s assessment was blunt: “The inclusion of so many Korean players reflects not just individual struggles, but a collective failure in preparation, tactics, and team unity.”
Public reaction in Korea has been fierce. Fans and pundits alike have questioned coach Hong Myung-bo’s tactics and player management. The legal threats from Seol Young-woo’s agency, intended as a shield, became a lightning rod for frustration. The sense of letdown was palpable, especially given the high expectations attached to this generation of Korean players.
Amid the criticism, some voices urged for a broader perspective. Football Channel noted, “It’s not only the fault of the players. Tactical confusion, unstable team structure, and poor management all played a role. But in football, results are king, and the players on the pitch bear the brunt of judgment.”
As the dust settles on Korea’s World Cup campaign, the 'Worst Eleven' designation serves as a harsh but honest reflection of a tournament that went off the rails. The road to redemption will require not just individual improvement, but a collective reckoning with the issues that plagued the team in North America. For now, the Korean football community is left to ponder what might have been—and what must change before the next global stage beckons.