FIFA cheers on South Korea ahead of South Africa clash: 'Get back up'

FIFA sent a message of encouragement to South Korea's national football team ahead of its final 2026 World Cup group-stage match against South Africa.

On Monday, FIFA posted photos of six South Korean players on the official World Cup Instagram account — Jo Gyu-sung (Midtjylland), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton) and Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord).

Above each player's photo, FIFA placed a single Korean character, together spelling out "넘어져도 다시" — "Get back up even when you fall."

FIFA also posted the South Korean flag alongside a Korean-language caption reading, "Give it everything in your final group-stage match!"

South Korea opened the group stage with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic but fell 1-0 to Mexico in their second match.

With the South Africa match set for Thursday, the post reflects support from football's governing body. South Korea currently sit second in Group A behind Mexico, and a draw would be enough to secure a place in the round of 32.