Hong Myung-bo's South Korea Lose as Japan Reacts to Korea's Projected Matchup: "Did They Lose on Purpose?" [2026 World Cup]

[Financial News] Japanese online users reacted with frustration to the projected knockout-stage matchup for the South Korea national football team after its loss to South Africa. Some even claimed that South Korea may have lost on purpose to secure a more favorable opponent.
South Korea, led by Hong Myung-bo, fell 1-0 to South Africa in its final Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on the 25th, local time.
South Korea could have advanced to the round of 32 with just a draw, but it finished the group stage with one win and two losses for three points, placing third in Group A. The tournament features 48 teams, and the top eight third-place teams from the 12 groups will also advance, so South Korea still has a chance to reach the knockout stage.
The Japanese outlet Soccer Digest reported on reactions from local fans to South Korea's projected round-of-32 matchup. Citing BBC's provisional bracket projection, it said that if South Korea advances, it could face Egypt, the Group G winner, based on the current standings.
Soccer Digest explained that although Egypt is ranked 26th in the FIFA World Ranking as of the 25th, higher than South Korea at No. 28, it is seen as a relatively less daunting opponent than Brazil, France and Morocco, teams Japan could potentially meet in the knockout stage.
After reading the report, Japanese users raised concerns about the fairness of the bracket. Some responded, "It's too unfair" and "Japan gets strong teams, while South Korea gets relatively easy ones."
Some users also claimed, "Did they lose on purpose?" and "Was this calculated to face Egypt?"
Amid the debate, criticism of South Korea's performance also continued. Japanese fans pointed out, "Can a team that lost to South Africa beat Egypt?" and "At this level of play, no opponent will be easy."
Meanwhile, after completing its group-stage schedule, Hong Myung-bo's team has returned to its base camp and is waiting for the results from other groups. The Athletic estimated South Korea's chances of reaching the round of 32 at 94 percent, while Opta Sports projected its advancement probability at 87.6 percent.
hsg@fnnews.com Han Seung-gon Reporter