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South Korea head coach Hong Myung-Bo has stepped down following the country’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, bringing an end to a reign that had come under intense criticism from supporters and government officials.
Hong’s resignation comes days after South Korea crashed out in the group stage, finishing third in Group A behind Mexico and South Africa despite opening the tournament with a 2-1 victory over Czechia. Consecutive 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa ended their hopes of reaching the Round of 32.
According to South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency, Hong decided to resign after mounting pressure over the team’s performances and tactical decisions, particularly his decision to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench during the decisive defeat to South Africa.
The loss to Bafana Bafana sparked widespread outrage across South Korea, with angry supporters launching an online petition demanding his dismissal. The petition criticised both his appointment and the team’s performances, describing the defeat to South Africa as one of the country’s poorest World Cup displays in recent memory.
Public frustration also reached the highest level of government. President Lee Jae Myung openly condemned the team’s early elimination, describing the outcome as “absurd” and apologising to South Koreans for what he called an unacceptable performance. He also ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the team’s campaign and the football association’s administrative decisions.
Hong’s appointment had been controversial from the outset. He returned to the national team after Jurgen Klinsmann’s dismissal in 2024, but both appointments later came under legal scrutiny after a Seoul Administrative Court ruled that the Korea Football Association had failed to follow proper procedures in selecting national team coaches.
The former international also carried the burden of an unsuccessful first spell in charge, having guided South Korea to a group-stage exit at the 2014 FIFA World Cup without recording a victory. Although the team qualified comfortably for the 2026 finals, inconsistent results in the build-up including heavy defeats to Brazil and Ivory Coast raised concerns about their readiness for the tournament.
Questions over Hong’s tactical approach intensified during the World Cup. Against South Africa, he drew criticism after replacing central defender Kim Min-jae with another defender while chasing an equaliser instead of introducing an attacking option. The decision further fuelled accusations that the team lacked urgency and ambition when it mattered most.
Hong leaves the national team under heavy scrutiny, with the Korea Football Association now expected to begin the search for a new coach capable of rebuilding confidence ahead of future international competitions.
