Cha Bumkeun's Candid Statement: "Japanese Football Is Beyond Our Reach... We Need to Wake Up"

FIFA Interview: "Positive Progress for Korean Team"

"Son Heungmin Up Front Creates Space for Teammates"

'Korean football legend' and former national team coach Cha Bumkun gave a positive assessment of the progress made by the Korean national team. However, he emphasized that Japan's national team currently outperforms Korea, stressing, "We need to wake up."

According to FIFA on June 23, Cha recently stated in an interview with FIFA, "(Japan is) at a level we simply cannot catch up to right now," delivering this evaluation.

Former football national team coach Cha Bumkun. Photo by Yonhap News

He explained, "Japan has systematically built up its youth football system for many years. They have developed a structure where any player can fit in and play the same style of football." He added, "It is not wrong for Japan to openly talk about aiming to win the World Cup in the near future. I believe they have the ability, potential, and skill required for that."

Previously, under the leadership of coach Hajime Moriyasu, Japan's national team defeated Tunisia 4-0 in the second Group F match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup group stage at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico on June 21. This set a new record for the most goals scored by an Asian team in a single World Cup match. In response, FIFA lavishly praised the feat, saying, "It was a 90-minute performance that reminded football fans around the world that Japan is a powerhouse in Asia."

Nevertheless, Cha also gave a positive assessment of the improvement in the Korean national team's abilities. He noted, "Unlike before, the players no longer look intimidated on the pitch," and analyzed, "Now, playing in the World Cup feels natural, and the players are able to fully showcase their skills."

He continued, "If this level of performance continues to build up, the players will gain even greater confidence. Judging from the current performance of the team, I believe they have the capability and strength to reach the quarterfinals."

Cha also countered concerns from some quarters regarding Son Heungmin's age at this World Cup, saying, "While it may take longer to recover physically, what Son Heungmin has achieved and possesses does not disappear overnight."

He further explained, "Given the current situation, I don't think age plays as big a factor. Just having Son Heungmin up front puts pressure on the opposition, and this in turn creates space for other players."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.