'This is shocking' — A scenario emerges where South Korea must root for Japan, marking an unprecedented situation in Korean football history.

*This content was translated by AI.

South Korea is now in a position where it must cheer for its neighboring country, Japan.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (FIFA ranking 25th), lost 0-1 to South Africa (FIFA ranking 60th) in the third group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup North, Central America and Caribbean qualifiers held on the 25th (Korea time) at the stadium in Monterrey, Mexico.

As a result, the South Korean national team dropped to third place in the group, failing to qualify for the Round of 32 on its own. In a match played at the same time, Mexico, which defeated Czechia 3-0, secured first place in the group with 9 points. South Africa advanced to the Round of 32 in second place in the group.

On this day, South Korea could have secured second place in the group on its own by earning just one point from a draw against South Africa. Had South Korea finished second in the group, it would have faced Canada in the Round of 32, with a smooth path to the Round of 16 within reach. However, after suffering a decisive blow from South Africa, the team has entered an uncertain path.

South Korea's final elimination has not yet been confirmed. The results of other third-place teams in the groups must be awaited. With third-place teams from all 12 groups, the top eight teams among them can advance to the Round of 32.

Among the 12 third-place teams, there is one team with a better record than South Korea. That is Bosnia and Herzegovina, the third-place team in Group B. With one win, one draw, and one loss, they secured third place in the group with 4 points.

On the other hand, by a stroke of luck, there is also one team with a worse record than South Korea. That is Scotland, the third-place team in Group C. With one win and two losses, they have 3 points, the same as South Korea, but their goal difference is -2, while South Korea's is -1, placing South Korea ahead.

What draws attention is Group F, where Japan is located. Tunisia has already been eliminated with two losses. Japan and the Netherlands are competing for the top spot with one win and one draw (4 points). Meanwhile, Sweden, with one win and one loss (3 points), is closely trailing the two teams.

The crucial match is Japan vs. Sweden, scheduled to be held at 8 a.m. on the 26th. South Korea must hope that Japan defeats Sweden by a margin of at least two goals. In that case, Sweden's goal difference would drop below -2, allowing South Korea to take the lead. This has created a situation where South Korea must cheer for its 'eternal rival,' Japan.

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*This content was translated by AI.