South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned following the country’s disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending a tenure marked by mounting criticism from fans and public officials.
Hong stepped down days after South Korea finished third in Group A, behind Mexico and South Africa.
Key highlights:
Despite opening their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia, consecutive 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa saw the two-time Asian champions eliminated before the knockout stage.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the former defender decided to resign amid growing pressure over the team’s performances and tactical decisions, particularly his choice to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench during the decisive defeat to South Africa.
The loss triggered widespread backlash across South Korea, with supporters launching an online petition calling for Hong’s dismissal.
Critics described the defeat as one of the country’s worst World Cup performances in recent history and questioned both his appointment and his handling of the squad.
Public frustration also reached the highest levels of government.
President Lee Jae Myung condemned the team’s early exit as “absurd,” apologised to the nation and ordered an investigation into the World Cup campaign and the Korea Football Association’s administrative processes.
Hong’s appointment had been controversial from the outset. He returned as national team coach following Jurgen Klinsmann’s dismissal in 2024, but both coaching appointments were later scrutinised after a Seoul Administrative Court ruled that the Korea Football Association failed to follow proper procedures in selecting national team managers.
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The 56-year-old also carried the burden of an unsuccessful first spell in charge, having overseen South Korea’s group-stage elimination at the 2014 FIFA World Cup without a single victory.
Although he guided the team comfortably through qualification for the 2026 tournament, inconsistent results in the build-up, including heavy defeats to Brazil and Ivory Coast, raised concerns over the team’s readiness.
Questions over Hong’s tactical approach intensified during the tournament, especially after he opted to replace central defender Kim Min-jae with another defender, while chasing an equaliser against South Africa instead of introducing an attacking player.
The Korea Football Association is now expected to begin the search for a new head coach tasked with rebuilding the national team ahead of future international competitions.
