Hong Myung-bo, the coach of the national soccer team, who returned to Korea early after being eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, dismissed the controversy over the selection of players, including the exclusion of Son Heung-min from the selection against South Africa, as nothing more than a consequentialism. According to Channel A on the 2nd, coach Hong met with reporters on the 1st, the day after returning to Korea. On the day of his return to Korea, he left the arrival hall without an interview, and in a short interview with Channel A, he said that he first discusses with the coaches when preparing for a game, including the list of starting players, and then makes decisions. In response to a reporter who said, "There is a lot of speculation about player selection and other issues, and the coach's judgment is likely to be there as well," Coach Hong responded, "Of course. Before the game, we clarify the 'model' we should implement. It is not only my opinion, but it is decided through the entire meeting with our coaches." They could have advanced to the round of 16 by finishing second in Group A with at least a draw against South Africa, but lost 0-1 after a poor performance. There was strong criticism over the exclusion of captains Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-seong from the starting lineup. With the start of the second half