Hong steps down as South Korea coach after WC exit

Seoul, June 30:

Hong Myungbo announced he will be stepping down as South Korea coach, the day after it was confirmed that the team had failed to make it past the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as one of the best third-placed teams.

Korea opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Czechia but then suffered successive 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa. Their fate was out of their hands as the group stage concluded on June 28 (IST).

Hong, who had been in charge since 2024, said he took “all responsibilities” for the team’s unsuccessful World Cup, which came after an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the global showpiece.

“To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologise.
“Today, I’d like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach,” Hong said in a press conference.

Hong, 57, led South Korea to 15 wins, five draws and six losses after taking charge for a second time in 2024.
He also led the national team in 2013 and 2014, having turned to management in 2009 following a playing career that included 136 caps for South Korea.