Sol Young-woo admits defeat: 'We played poorly — that's why we lost'

South Korea defender Sol Young-woo acknowledged poor performance and expressed regret following the team's loss to South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking Thursday (Korean Standard Time) after South Korea fell 1-0 to South Africa in the Group A third-round match, Sol said he was disappointed the team had failed to secure its own path to the round of 32. "It's a shame we couldn't take the chance to advance on our own," he said. "It's unfortunate that we now have to wait on other teams' results after losing."

Asked whether the intense heat had affected the team's performance, Sol dismissed the suggestion. "It wasn't only hot for us — the opponent was under the same conditions, so I don't think that can be a reason for the loss," he said.

On the cause of the defeat, Sol was blunt. "We lost because we played poorly. If we had played well, we would have won," he said. "Our team didn't show a better performance than the opponent. Personally, as a defender, if we had just drawn without conceding, we would have advanced on our own — so I feel responsible for giving up that goal."

He also faulted himself for failing to contain South Africa's attack. "Going into the match, we knew they were a fast team that relies heavily on counterattacks, as is typical of African sides," Sol said. "But we couldn't execute our defensive plan the way we had prepared."

On the mood in the dressing room after the final whistle, Sol said the squad was focused on staying ready. "We told each other that while we can no longer advance on our own, there's still a chance — so let's prepare as if there's another match to play," he said.

Sol's agency posted a legal notice on its official account Wednesday (local time), warning of action against malicious online comments directed at the player following the South Africa match. "Constructive criticism and diverse opinions are an important part of a healthy sports culture," the agency said, "but we will take a firm stance against malicious defamation, personal attacks and the spread of false information."

Sol addressed the online criticism directly. "Since the performance wasn't good, I think a lot of people are voicing their dissatisfaction," he said. "As a player, you have to be ready to receive both support and criticism when you're in a position to be judged. It's not something I let affect me too much — I'll repay the fans by showing a better performance."

Having failed to finish in the top two of Group A, South Korea's fate in the round of 32 now rests on results from other third-place teams. Of the 12 group-stage third-place finishers, only the top eight advance, meaning South Korea must finish ahead of at least four other third-place sides. Whether South Korea advances will be decided June 28.