South Korea Exits 2026 World Cup; President Expresses Dissatisfaction, Head Coach Resigns
Image source, Reuters
South Korea’s national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned following the team’s exit from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
South Korea had hoped to advance to the next stage after finishing third in their group, but Saturday’s match result dashed those hopes.
Following their elimination in the first round, the national team’s performance faced harsh criticism back home. President Lee Jae-myung has ordered an investigation to identify the reasons behind the team’s weak performance.
Speaking to football supporters on Saturday, Hong apologized, saying, “As the head coach, I take full responsibility.”
South Korea is ranked 32nd in the FIFA rankings. Led by the prominent player Son Heung-min, the team managed only one win and suffered two losses in this World Cup.
What Hong Said
Image source, Reuters
The Asian team finished third in their group after Mexico and South Africa, ranked 15th and 60th in FIFA respectively.
Criticism of South Korea began after their 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Thursday.
That loss forced South Korea to finish third in Group A. However, with the top eight third-placed teams qualifying for the knockout stage, some hope remained.
“We were unable to achieve the results our fans expected,” Hong said as he announced his resignation at a press conference in Mexico.
“Though I am stepping down as head coach, I will not abandon Korean football,” he added. “I wholeheartedly support the national team and hope that people will continue to believe in and love the team.”
President’s Remarks
Image source, Reuters
President Lee earlier expressed that the unexpected outcome not only shocked him but also left him confused.
In a post on the social media platform X, he described South Korea’s early exit as a “failure of the organization and staff.”
“If patronage and favoritism are prioritized over capability when selecting commanders, the result is like paper burning in fire,” he added.
Controversy Since the Beginning
Hong’s appointment as head coach was controversial from the outset.
Hong is a former South Korean defender and was captain of the team that reached the World Cup semifinals in 2002.
When he first led the team as head coach in 2014, South Korea again failed to advance beyond the group stage, resulting in another early exit.
His appointment as head coach in 2024 faced protests, with many football fans accusing the association’s senior officials of placing their friend in the key position. There were allegations that the Korea Football Association (KFA) excluded some foreign-origin candidates through the competitive selection process.
On Sunday, Hong remarked, “Taking on this role was not an easy decision.”
“I cannot say every decision I made was right, but all were made in the interest of Korean football,” he added.
Death Threats
Meanwhile, local media have reported that Hong has received death threats online.
Police have stated that heightened security measures are in place at Incheon airport and other locations for his protection.