In a significant move for South Korean football, the Korea Football Association (KFA) has appointed Park Hang-seo as the Head of the Support Committee for the national team. This was announced on May 8, 2025, as the team gears up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Currently, South Korea is leading Group B in the third round of the qualifiers with 16 points, needing only to avoid defeat against Iraq on June 5, 2025, to secure their spot in the tournament.
The KFA has set ambitious goals for the national team, aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup for the first time in 24 years. A KFA official stated, "The comprehensive support from the national team support committee is aimed at achieving the goal of bringing South Korea to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup." Park Hang-seo, who previously led the Vietnamese national team to great success, including an AFF Cup victory in 2018, is tasked with this critical mission.
Park’s experience is invaluable; he was an assistant coach under Guus Hiddink during the 2002 World Cup, where South Korea made history by reaching the semi-finals. The KFA's decision to appoint him reflects their confidence in his ability to replicate that success. Alongside Park, former player Cho Jun Heon will assist in this endeavor, bringing additional expertise to the team.
As the KFA restructures its support systems, it aims to avoid the pitfalls of previous efforts that fell short during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. A KFA official remarked, "The technical support group for the Korean national team existed before the World Cup 2022 in Qatar. However, it did not perform well at that time due to the incomplete election of the KFA president. Now, this newly established technical support group has the task of working more effectively. We will do our utmost to support the Korean national team in reaching the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. That is our goal." This renewed focus comes at a pivotal time, with the number of teams in the World Cup expanding from 32 to 48, offering South Korea a greater chance to advance.
Meanwhile, in club football, Manchester United has made headlines with a resounding performance in the UEFA Europa League. In the early hours of May 9, 2025, United defeated Athletic Bilbao 4-1 in the second leg of the semi-final, securing a spot in the final with a total aggregate score of 7-1. Mason Mount was the star of the match, scoring two goals and showcasing his talent on a grand stage.
The match started with Bilbao applying pressure, nearly taking the lead when Alex Berenguer missed a clear chance in the first 30 minutes. However, it was Mikel Jauregizar who broke the deadlock with a stunning long-range shot in the 31st minute, giving Bilbao a brief lead. Yet, the tide turned dramatically as United responded with a flurry of goals.
Rasmus Hojlund equalized in the 84th minute, making it 3-1, before Mount sealed the victory with a spectacular strike from midfield in the dying moments of the game. This performance not only extends United’s unbeaten run in European competitions this season but also sets up an exciting all-English final against Tottenham Hotspur.
The Europa League final is scheduled for May 22, 2025, at the San Mames Stadium in Bilbao. Both teams will be vying for their first European title in years, with the added incentive of a place in the League Phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26.
In other news from the V-League, Binh Duong has reclaimed its place as a competitor in Vietnamese football, but not without challenges. Once a dominant force with four league titles, the team has struggled in recent years, often finding itself in the relegation zone. This season marks a decade since the club's golden generation, featuring stars like Cong Phuong and Xuan Truong, began to fade.
Despite significant investments in player acquisitions, including high-profile signings like Que Ngoc Hai and Ho Tan Tai, Binh Duong's results have not matched their ambitions. The team has consistently finished in the lower half of the standings, raising questions about their strategy and direction.
Reflecting on the past, the club's chairman, Duc, famously remarked that HAGL, another struggling team, was playing in the V-League for fun. This sentiment has now been echoed by Binh Duong's fans, who are left wondering if their team is also playing for mere enjoyment rather than striving for glory.
As the season progresses, both Binh Duong and HAGL face a critical juncture in their histories. With the V-League becoming increasingly competitive, the pressure is on for these teams to turn their fortunes around and reclaim their places among Vietnam's elite football clubs.
In conclusion, the developments in both international and domestic football highlight the dynamic nature of the sport. With Park Hang-seo's appointment signaling hope for South Korea's World Cup aspirations and Manchester United's resurgence in European competitions, the landscape of football continues to evolve, promising thrilling narratives for fans around the globe.
