"Should We Hold the South Korean Flag and Cheer for Japan?" Japanese Media Highlight Humiliating Atmosphere in South Korea

*This content was translated by AI.

After the South Korean national football team failed to qualify directly for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, Japanese media outlets have continued their coverage. In particular, the ironic situation where the Hong Myung-bo-led team must cheer for the Japanese national team to advance to the Round of 16 through third-place finish has drawn attention.

Earlier, South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, lost 0-1 to South Africa in the third group stage match of the tournament held on the 25th (Korean time) at the Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. South Korea could have advanced to the Round of 16 in second place in the group with just a draw against South Africa on this day, but it was pushed down to third place and failed to qualify directly. In this tournament, the top two teams in each group advance directly to the Round of 16, and the top eight third-placed teams among the 12th groups with the best records will also advance. South Korea must take the "remaining" route rather than direct qualification.

Having failed to qualify directly for the Round of 16 through performance, South Korea now has to rely on luck. It must now wait for the results of the final matches in other groups and compare the points, goal difference, and goals scored of the third-placed teams in each group against South Korea's group stage record. If four teams perform worse than South Korea, qualification for the Round of 16 is confirmed; if three or fewer teams perform worse, the team must return home immediately. In this process, Japan's match result is very important because it will face Sweden, the third-placed team in Group F, on the 26th at 8 a.m.

South Korea's final group stage record in Group A is 3 points (1 win, 2 losses), a goal difference of –1, and 2 goals scored. If Japan defeats Sweden by a two-goal margin, Sweden will finish with 3 points (1 win, 2 losses) and a goal difference of –2. In this case, South Korea can overtake Sweden in the third-place competition. Conversely, if Japan wins by only one goal or fails to win at all, South Korea will be overtaken by Sweden in goals scored or fall behind Japan in points as Japan finishes third in the group. Ultimately, a two-goal or greater victory by Japan over Sweden is the best scenario for South Korea.

Japanese media also highlighted the atmosphere in which South Korea must cheer for its "arch-rival" Japan's strong performance, specifically a two-goal or greater victory. Japan's D&N noted, "South Korea's chances of advancing to the Round of 16 are closely tied to Japan's outcome. South Korea faces the reality of having to cheer for Japan 'unconditionally.'" It further stated, "If Japan defeats Sweden by a two-goal margin or more, South Korea can overtake Sweden in the third-place competition."

It continued, "In light of this situation, Korean fans have expressed opinions such as, 'It's a humiliating situation where we must cheer for Japan to increase our chances of reaching the Round of 16,' or 'The day is approaching when we will wave the Taegeukgi and shout 'Nippon' (the local pronunciation of Japan).'" Japan, led by head coach Hajime Moriyasu, had previously drawn 2-2 with the Netherlands and defeated Tunisia 4-0, effectively securing their place in the Round of 16.

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*This content was translated by AI.