South Korea's FIFA ranking has fallen to 32nd place following its disappointing exit from the group stage of the 2026 North America World Cup.
According to the updated men's soccer world rankings released by FIFA on June 29, South Korea scored 1558.72 points to secure the 32nd position.
FIFA updates its rankings and points in real-time based on the results of international matches.
This marks South Korea's lowest ranking in four years and six months, since it was ranked 33rd in December 2021.
After reaching 29th in the rankings announced in February 2022, South Korea maintained a position within the top 20 until recently. It was ranked 22nd during the World Cup draw last December and 25th just before the tournament began.
However, the team managed only one win and two losses in the group stage, leading to a significant drop in ranking. Under the leadership of coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea started strong with a 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic but then suffered a 1-0 defeat to co-host Mexico and another 1-0 loss to South Africa, the weakest team in the group.
Along with the drop in FIFA ranking, South Korea also recorded a painful milestone. This is the first time since the 2018 Russia World Cup that South Korea has failed to advance past the group stage, finishing the tournament in 34th place, its worst performance in World Cup history.
Coach Hong Myung-bo took responsibility for the team's failure and stepped down on June 29. Speaking to reporters at the team's training base in Chivas Verde Valle, Mexico, he stated, "I believe that the position of a coach cannot provide any explanation in the face of results. Therefore, I am here to take responsibility rather than to explain. I could not deliver the results that the public expected, and that responsibility lies entirely with me as the coach."
On June 30, Hong returned to South Korea through Incheon International Airport, leaving the arrival hall with a stoic expression and without answering questions from the press.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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