South Korea players react with disappointment after losing to South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday, finishing third in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Yonhap]
South Korea players react with disappointment after losing to South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico, on Wednesday, finishing third in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. [Yonhap]

South Korea dropped to third place in Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after losing 1-0 to South Africa in their final group-stage match — and the result has prompted allegations of deliberate defeat among Japanese fans.

Japanese outlet Soccer Digest reported Thursday on South Korea's third-place finish and their path to the knockout round, noting that suspicions of an intentional loss had spread among Japanese fans on social media after the match.

South Korea, managed by Hong Myung-bo, fell to FIFA-ranked 54th South Africa in their final Group A match, dropping to third in the group. A draw would have secured second place and automatic advancement to the round of 32, but the team now must wait on results elsewhere to confirm their progression.

However, South Korea's chances of advancing remain high — they need only four teams below them in the standings to secure a knockout-round berth. Sports outlet The Athletic put the probability of South Korea advancing at 94 percent.

Soccer Digest noted that South Korea's bracket could work in their favor if they do advance. According to a provisional bracket presented by the BBC, South Korea would face Group G winner Egypt in the round of 32 under the current standings.

The outlet added that while Egypt are ranked 26th by FIFA — two spots above South Korea — they are considered a relatively manageable opponent compared to the likes of Brazil, France and Morocco, teams that Japan could potentially face.

Once the potential matchup became known, Japanese fans reacted across social media. Soccer Digest cited comments including "The difficulty gap is huge," "Japan gets Brazil, France and Morocco," "This is way too lucky" and "Didn't they lose on purpose?"

Egyptian football commentator Fathi Sand raised similar allegations after learning Egypt could face South Korea in the round of 32. Writing on his social media account, he asked: "Do you think South Korea intentionally lost to South Africa to avoid host nation Canada and instead face Egypt, who topped their group? Or is it just a coincidence?"

In South Korea, fans and analysts have offered their own readings of the bracket scenario. Some argued that advancing as a third-place team could produce the most favorable World Cup draw in South Korean history, with one analysis suggesting the path could line up as Egypt in the round of 32 followed by the United States in the round of 16 — exactly as the team had targeted.


bbo@heraldcorp.com