South Korea on brink of World Cup elimination as Japan mocks: 'They can enjoy every group-stage match'

South Korea is staring down elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup after slipping to seventh among the 12 third-place finishers in the group stage, leaving the team in danger of missing the round of 32.

Senegal delivered the latest blow Saturday (Korean Standard Time), routing Iraq 5-0 in their final Group I match. The victory gave Senegal three points and a goal difference of plus-2, leapfrogging South Korea, which also has three points but a goal difference of minus-1.

At this World Cup, eight of the 12 third-place teams advance to the round of 32. South Korea has already completed its group-stage schedule and must wait on results from the remaining five groups. If two of those groups produce third-place finishers with four or more points — or three points with a goal difference of zero or better — South Korea's elimination will be confirmed.

Japanese media covered South Korea's predicament in detail. Nikkan Sports described the team as "the Tiger of Asia swept up in a headwind," while Sports Hochi published a table breaking down the points and goal differences of all third-place teams, spelling out the exact conditions under which South Korea would be eliminated.

Japanese outlet Lonspo went further, running a pointed piece noting that some South Korean media had lashed out at Japan over its draw with Sweden, using words like "betrayal" and "didn't help us." The article highlighted how some South Korean outlets criticized Japan's tactics after Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan, securing four points and overtaking South Korea in the standings.

Japanese internet users piled on as well, posting on social media that "South Korean football fans can enjoy every group-stage match" — a jab at the team's failure to secure advancement on its own.

Japan, meanwhile, finished second in Group F with one win and two draws, advancing directly to the round of 32. South Korea now waits on other results amid a torrent of criticism directed at coach Hong Myung-bo over his team's lack of attacking tactics.