South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down from his position following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for the team’s performance after intense criticism from President Lee Jae-myung.
Hong announced his resignation during a press conference at the team’s training base in Guadalajara, Mexico, apologising to supporters and admitting he had failed to meet the expectations of Korean football fans. He said the decision was made after careful consideration and accepted full responsibility for the team’s early elimination.
South Korea began their World Cup campaign with a victory over the Czech Republic but suffered back-to-back defeats against Mexico and South Africa, finishing third in their group. Their hopes of progressing as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams ended after results elsewhere went against them.
The resignation came shortly after President Lee publicly criticised Hong, describing him as “incapable” and questioning the leadership that guided the national team. The president also called for a full government investigation into the team’s disappointing campaign, saying the country’s football system needs significant reforms to prevent similar failures in the future.
Hong’s appointment in 2024 had already attracted criticism from sections of the South Korean media over the selection process. His latest resignation marks the second time he has left the national team following a World Cup group-stage exit, having also resigned after the 2014 tournament.
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South Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns After World Cup Exit and President’s Criticism
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South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned after the team’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following sharp criticism from President Lee Jae-myung and growing public backlash.
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South Korea coach, Hong Myung-bo, don resign after the country crash out from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. E apologise to fans and take full responsibility for the poor performance. President Lee Jae-myung also blast am, call am “incapable” and order investigation into the national team’s failure as government dey plan reforms for South Korea football.
