Asian football is facing a wave of leadership changes following disappointing performances at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, according to an Associated Press report on July 6.
The AP article titled "Resignations Follow World Cup Struggles from Seoul to Riyadh" emphasizes that the criticism extends beyond mere results, calling for accountability within the entire Asian football system.
South Korea is highlighted as a primary example. After losing 1-0 to South Africa and being eliminated in the group stage, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned, followed by the departure of Chung Mong-kyu, president of the Korea Football Association. Son Heung-min expressed his sorrow on social media, stating, "I am heartbroken beyond words" and apologized to the nation.
Saudi Arabia also saw its football association president, Yasser Al-Misehal, resign, taking full responsibility after the team's group stage exit. Jordan, making its World Cup debut, parted ways with coach Jamal Selami. Meanwhile, the coaching futures of Qatar and Iraq remain uncertain, and Uzbekistan, which finished the tournament without a point, is expected to retain coach Fabio Cannavaro, the AP reported.
The AP noted that this World Cup starkly revealed the realities of Asian football. Nine countries from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) managed only three wins across 29 matches in the expanded 48-team tournament. Only Japan and Australia advanced from the group stage, both of which were eliminated in the Round of 32. Iran, despite remaining unbeaten, failed to progress with three draws.
Furthermore, the AP reminded readers that South Korea's fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup remains the highest achievement for Asian football, highlighting the persistent gap between Asia and the world's elite teams.
However, Japan demonstrated competitiveness by leading Brazil until the final moments of the second half, and emerging football nations like Uzbekistan and Jordan gained valuable experience, according to the AP.
Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, president of the AFC, was quoted stating, "Asian teams are clearly improving, but the gap with the top teams still exists," emphasizing the need for continued efforts to close that divide.
This World Cup has left Asian football with both the achievement of expanding its base and the challenge of enhancing its global competitiveness, suggesting that discussions on accountability and systemic reform within national football associations will continue for the foreseeable future.
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.