Published on April 10, 2026
SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) — For the fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup, South Korea will be without a representative referee. The announcement from the Korean Football Association (KFA) has raised concerns about the country’s declining influence in world football officiating.
This lack of representation comes as a disappointment, especially given South Korea’s historical presence in global tournaments. The last time a South Korean referee officiated at a World Cup was during the 2014 tournament in Brazil, where Civilian AP Lee Eun-suk was selected for duties.
The KFA noted the stringent selection criteria imposed , which emphasizes the need for referees to have extensive international experience and to perform consistently at high levels in domestic leagues. Unfortunately, South Korean officials have struggled to meet these standards in recent years.
“It is regrettable that we won’t have any referees at the World Cup,” said a KFA official. “We understand the challenges and the competitive nature of the selection process.”
The absence of South Korean referees at such a prestigious event indicates a bigger trend regarding the visibility and performance of referees from the nation on the international stage. While South Korean players have found success in major leagues globally, the same cannot be said for the country’s officiating body.
The decision exclude South Korean referees could prompt the KFA to reevaluate its training and development programs for officials, aiming for better performance and increased international presence in future tournaments.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup continues, the KFA faces the challenge of enhancing the quality and reputation of its referees to ensure that they can meet the high expectations set earn a spot in future competitions.
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