South Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns After World Cup Humiliation
Hong Myung-bo has stepped down as South Korea’s head coach following the team’s group-stage elimination from the 2026 World Cup, with the fallout reaching the highest levels of government. According to The Guardian, the 57-year-old resigned on Sunday, just one day after their exit, having also failed to get South Korea past the group stage during his first stint in charge at the 2014 tournament.
South Korea entered the competition in Group A — alongside co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and Czechia — with reasonable expectations of progression. Instead, they lost 1-0 to both South Africa and Mexico, managing only a 2-1 win against Czechia. Three points was not enough, and they departed the tournament early.
The most controversial decision of Hong’s tenure came in the must-not-lose match against South Africa. He dropped veteran captain Son Heung-min, widely regarded as the country’s most influential player, in a match where a draw would have been sufficient to progress. The gamble failed, and South Korea lost 1-0.
Hong had been deeply unpopular with supporters and the South Korean media long before the tournament began, having been booed during home matches following his appointment in July 2024. On leaving his post, he said he would always support the national team, adding: