Full Breakdown
South Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns After World Cup Group-Stage Exit
6/29/2026, 12:25:54 AM
Coach Hong Resigns After World Cup Exit
On June 28, 2026, Hong Myung-bo, 57, announced his resignation as head coach of South Korea’s national football team at a press conference in Zapopan, Mexico. He read a prepared statement, offered an apology, and took no questions. He had been appointed in July 2024 on a contract that extended to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The decision follows the team’s failure to progress from Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking Hong’s second group-stage elimination as coach.
Campaign Overview
South Korea’s Group A at the World Cup included Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa. The team began with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on June 12, then suffered 0-1 defeats to Mexico and South Africa. Finishing third with three points, they needed a favorable result elsewhere; Congo’s 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan on June 28 ended their hopes. South Korea placed 34th of 48, its lowest ranking since 1982, and recorded its first back-to-back scoreless matches in 36 years.
Official Statements and Institutional Responses
President Lee Jae Myung blamed personnel decisions, apologised for the “absurd situation,” and ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to review the Korea Football Association (KFA). KFA general manager Park Hang-seo issued a formal apology, acknowledging failure to meet public expectations and pledging reforms before the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
Political and Public Criticism
Lawmakers from the Democratic Party and the People Power Party called for an overhaul of KFA. Rep. Cho Kye-won (Democratic) said a “major operation on Korean football” is needed, while Rep. Joo Jin-woo (People Power) condemned Hong’s “authoritarian tactics,” the benching of Son Heung-min and an outdated three-back formation. Kim Seung-soo urged dissolution of KFA, citing “incompetence, irresponsibility and obstinacy.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “I would like to sincerely apologise to the citizens who have loved Korean football and always supported the national team,” — Hong Myung-bo, Head Coach
- “If loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence and an incapable person is appointed as a leader, the outcome is as predictable as fire," the president said.” — Lee Jae Myung, President
- “As a general manager, I would like to express a deep apology on behalf of the Korea Football Association for failing to meet the expectations of the people at the 2026 North-China World Cup," he said.” — Park Hang-seo, KFA GM
- “he silenced players with authoritarian tactics, kept Son Heung-min on the bench, and isolated forwards with an outdated three-back formation.” — Joo Jin-woo, PPP lawmaker
Future Outlook
The president’s directive has launched an audit of the KFA’s appointment process, and lawmakers are pressing for reforms that could include dissolution. Hong’s resignation leaves the coaching vacancy open ahead of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, prompting speculation about interim leadership and a revised strategic plan for South Korean football.
