South Korea’s disappointing group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 drew the ire of the country’s President, Lee Jae Myung, who ordered an investigation into the Asian giant’s lackluster performance. Following the order, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned.
Hong’s resignation meant his second stint as South Korea’s head coach ended painfully and abruptly. The 57-year-old had also failed to guide the Taeguk Warriors beyond the opening round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
South Korea entered the FIFA World Cup 2026 with expectations of progressing from Group A, which featured co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and Czechia. They, however, succumbed to 1–0 defeats to South Africa and co-hosts Mexico before registering a 2–1 win over Czechia, but it was never enough for them to advance to the Round of 32.
Addressing reporters in Mexico after announcing his resignation, Hong reflected on the difficult decisions he had made throughout his tenure.
“Over the past two years I asked myself the same question whenever I had to make important decisions, select players or prepare for training session and matches: ‘Is this the right choice for Korean football?'” Hong told reporters in Mexico, according to Yonhap News Agency. “I can not say every decision has been the right one, but I can tell you that I have made every decision with Korean football in mind.”
‘Unacceptable outcome’: President Lee
The resignation came only hours after President Lee Jae Myung publicly expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance and condemned South Korea’s football administration.
“When loyalty and factionalism are valued over competence, and incompetent people are appointed to leadership positions, the outcome is all but inevitable,” Lee said in a post on
Hong had faced mounting criticism throughout his second stint, and he was not well received by fans and a section of the South Korean media. His decision to bench star player and captain Son Heung-min against South Africa – a match in which South Korea required only a draw to advance – drew widespread scrutiny after the gamble failed.
Despite stepping down, Hong ended his tenure with a heartfelt message. “I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that the team will be trusted and loved by the people once again,” he said.
South Korea’s best performance at the World Cup came in 2002 when they were co-hosts and stunned European giants Italy and Spain en route to the semifinals. Their campaign had ended with a defeat to eventual runners-up Germany in the semifinals.
