KFA President Chung Mong-gyu, Facing Resignation, Praises Players for Comeback Victory

Korea Football Association (KFA) President Chung Mong-gyu, who is set to step down, has shared words of encouragement for the Taegeuk Warriors following their comeback victory against the Czech Republic in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while also asking fans for their continued support.

On his social media account today, President Chung posted a photo taken before the match between Korea and the Czech Republic and wrote, "In the sweltering heat of Mexico on the other side of the globe, our national team decorated their first match with a valuable victory. Although we conceded the first goal and faced a difficult start, our players maintained their composure with strong mental fortitude until the very end to secure a comeback win."

He added, "I send my unsparing applause to the fighting spirit of the players who wonderfully overcame the pressure of the grand World Cup stage and maintained their focus until the end."

The Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opener of the North and Central American World Cup held at the Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, on this day, thanks to consecutive goals from Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş).

President Chung watched the match in person from the VIP box alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and others.

After the match, he went down to the pitch to personally congratulate the players.

"I sincerely thank the national team players and coaching staff for making a great start, as well as the football fans who sent their passionate cheers from both the local stadium in a foreign land and back home in Korea, forgetting the time difference," Chung said.

He concluded his message by saying, "I ask for your unwavering support and encouragement for the national team so that they can continue to achieve good results in the remaining journey."

On May 29, President Chung made a surprise announcement regarding his resignation, stating, "I intend to step down from the position of KFA president after the North and Central American World Cup."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.