South Korea have been eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after DR Congo's 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan in the final round of the group stage. The result meant the Taeguk Warriors failed to finish among the eight best third-placed teams and were knocked out of the tournament.

Notably, according to previous reports, Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu is expected to step down voluntarily after the World Cup. There had been hopes that South Korea would reach the knockout stage, but the team's group-stage exit is now expected to accelerate his departure.

Meanwhile, 33-year-old captain Son Heung-min has likely played in the final World Cup of his career. By the time the 2030 World Cup arrives, Son will be 37 years old, Lee Jae-sung will also be 37, Hwang Hee-chan will be 34, Kim Min-jae will be 33, Kim Seung-gyu will be 39, and Jo Hyeon-woo will be 38. With many key players approaching the latter stages of their careers, South Korea are expected to undergo a major generational transition before the next World Cup.