South Korea’s World Cup Dreams ‘Sabotaged’ by Poor Pitches – Son Heung-min Blasts Authorities

South Korean football is at the center of a growing scandal after national captain Son Heung-min accused poor pitch conditions of damaging the country’s World Cup campaign. His frustration has now forced authorities to launch an emergency inspection of elite football stadiums across the country.

Despite repeated complaints, the country’s stadiums have remained in dismal condition, with two recent World Cup qualifiers relocated due to unplayable surfaces. However, even the replacement venues failed to meet professional standards, prompting Son’s explosive criticism.

We should have the best possible conditions at home, but nothing has improved,Son lamented after South Korea’s shocking 1-1 draw with Jordan in Suwon.

The controversy deepened as **former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, now playing for FC Seoul, also voiced his frustrations, even tripping over a chunk of turf during a match.

South Korea’s dream of early qualification for the 2026 World Cup has now been derailed, and with growing backlash from fans and players alike, authorities are scrambling to salvage their reputation.