*This content was translated by AI.
In the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, countries that eliminated South Korea's chances of reaching the Round of 32 are dropping out one after another in the first round of the tournament. This has sparked an interesting reaction among fans dubbed the "Hong Myung-bo Curse."
Under former coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea recorded one win and two losses (three points) in Group A, finishing third in the group. The team aimed to advance to the Round of 32 via a wildcard spot available to the top eight teams among the twelve third-place finishers. However, only one out of nine possible scenarios was met, leaving South Korea ranked 34th overall at the conclusion of the tournament.
Coincidentally, all nations that directly or indirectly influenced South Korea's failure to reach the Round of 32 were eliminated in the first round of the knockout stage. First, Germany, which shattered South Korea's initial scenario, lost to Paraguay after a dramatic penalty shootout. Ecuador also suffered a decisive 0-2 defeat against Mexico.
Japan, which created an unfavorable situation for South Korea by failing to secure a win against Sweden, was overturned and lost 1-2 to Brazil. Additionally, the Democratic Republic of Congo, which dashed South Korea's hopes, was defeated 1-2 by England. Senegal also ended its tournament with a 2-3 comeback loss after failing to maintain a two-goal lead over Belgium.
This "jinx" continued in the Round of 32 matches held on the 3rd. Austria, which drew with Algeria at 4 a.m. local time and created an unfavorable outcome for South Korea, suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat against Spain and was eliminated. In contrast, Spain is the only team that fulfilled South Korea's scenario by defeating Uruguay in the group stage.
Whether this trend will be fully realized now depends on the results of the two remaining matches today. At 8 a.m., Croatia, which blocked South Korea's wildcard chances by defeating Ghana in the final group stage match, will face Portugal. Later at noon, Algeria will play against Switzerland. Algeria previously drew with Austria in the final group stage match, eliminating South Korea's scenario.
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*This content was translated by AI.
