By Perez Karisa, June 29, 2026.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned following the country’s disappointing group-stage elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking full responsibility for the team’s failure to advance to the knockout rounds.
Hong announced his decision during a post-tournament press conference in Mexico on Sunday, June 28, saying the responsibility for the team’s early exit “rests entirely with me.”
The resignation brings an abrupt end to his second spell in charge of the national team, a tenure that had been under intense scrutiny even before the World Cup due to the circumstances surrounding his appointment.
Group Stage Disappointment
Drawn in Group A, South Korea opened its campaign with a promising 2-1 victory over Czech Republic. However, hopes of progressing were dashed after back-to-back 1-0 defeats to hosts Mexico and South Africa.
The results left South Korea with just three points, an insufficient tally despite the expanded 48-team tournament format that offered additional qualification spots for the best third-placed teams.
Any remaining mathematical chance of reaching the Round of 32 ended on Saturday after Republic of the Congo defeated Uzbekistan, confirming South Korea’s elimination.
Son Heung-min Selection Decision Sparks Criticism
One of the biggest talking points of South Korea’s campaign was Hong’s decision to leave veteran captain Son Heung-min out of the starting lineup for the decisive final group match against South Africa.
The tactical gamble attracted widespread criticism from football supporters, former players and analysts, many of whom questioned why the country’s most influential player was benched in a must-win encounter.
Following the elimination, pressure mounted on Hong, with many fans calling for his resignation.
Political Pressure Intensifies
The team’s World Cup disappointment quickly escalated into a national political issue.
Hours before Hong announced his resignation, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung sharply criticized the Korea Football Association, accusing its leadership of prioritizing “loyalty and factionalism over competence” in key appointments.
The president also directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the country’s football administration, focusing on governance issues and alleged structural failures within the federation.
The announcement signals increased government scrutiny of the KFA following years of criticism over its management and decision-making processes.
Controversial Appointment
Hong’s resignation also closes a turbulent second stint that began in July 2024.
His appointment was met with significant public backlash, with critics alleging that the recruitment process lacked transparency and favoured internal connections rather than merit. The controversy prompted a government audit into the KFA’s leadership and recruitment procedures.
Although Hong initially sought to rebuild the national team and guide it through World Cup qualification, the failure to progress beyond the group stage has intensified calls for sweeping reforms within South Korean football.
Attention now shifts to the Korea Football Association, which faces the task of appointing a new national team coach while responding to mounting public pressure and a government-led investigation into its governance and leadership structure.
