Korea Football Association (KFA) president Chung Mong-gyu has announced additional financial incentives for the South Korean national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On July 1, Chung revealed through the KFA that the squad will receive extra rewards for every knockout round reached during the tournament. The newly announced bonuses include KRW 1 billion for reaching the Round of 32, KRW 2 billion for advancing to the Round of 16, and KRW 3 billion for reaching the quarter-finals.
The announcement comes just days after Chung stated his intention to step down as KFA president following the conclusion of the World Cup. In an official statement released on June 29, he said, "I intend to leave my position as president of the Korea Football Association after this World Cup."
According to sources, Chung has felt increasing pressure from both within and outside Korean football in recent months. With his tenure approaching its end, he is now focusing on supporting the national team's World Cup campaign.
"As this World Cup's slogan says, 'Beyond Limits, United Reds,' I hope our players will once again bring the country together through football by showing the fighting spirit needed to surpass their limits," Chung said. He added that the expanded bonus scheme is intended to provide additional motivation for the players.
Before the public announcement, Chung personally informed head coach Hong Myung-bo, captain Son Heung-min, and several members of the squad about the additional rewards during a video call.
The newly announced bonuses will be paid on top of the incentive structure unveiled by the KFA on June 25.
Under the existing plan, all 26 members of South Korea's World Cup squad are guaranteed a basic participation payment of KRW 50 million per player. Additional individual bonuses were set at KRW 100 million for reaching the Round of 32, KRW 200 million for the Round of 16, KRW 300 million for the quarter-finals, KRW 400 million for the semi-finals, KRW 450 million for a third-place finish, KRW 500 million for finishing as runners-up, and KRW 600 million for winning the World Cup.
The KFA noted that the overall compensation package represents an increase compared to the rewards offered during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Match-win bonuses have also been revised. Previously, players received KRW 30 million for every victory regardless of the stage of the competition. Under the new system, rewards will increase as the tournament progresses, with KRW 30 million for a group-stage win, KRW 50 million in the Round of 32, KRW 80 million in the Round of 16, KRW 140 million in the quarter-finals, KRW 200 million in the semi-finals, and KRW 300 million for a victory in the final.
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