Hong Myung-bo quits as South Korea coach after FIFA World Cup 2026 group exit
Synopsis
South Korea's unbeaten World Cup qualifying run counted for nothing in the tournament itself — one win, two losses, and a group-stage exit. Hong Myung-bo, who took 'all responsibilities,' has stepped down, leaving the Korea Football Association to rebuild trust and find a new direction ahead of the next cycle.
Key Takeaways
Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea head coach on 29 June following a group-stage exit at the FIFA World Cup 2026 .
South Korea won just one match — a 2-1 victory over Czechia — before falling 1-0 to both Mexico and South Africa .
Hong, 57 , had been in charge since 2024 and led an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the tournament.
In his second tenure, Hong recorded 15 wins , 5 draws , and 6 losses across all matches.
Hong earned 136 caps as a player and previously managed the national side in 2013 and 2014 .
The Korea Football Association is now expected to begin its search for a new head coach.
Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea national football team head coach on 29 June, a day after the team was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup 2026, having failed to advance from the group stage even as one of the best third-placed sides. The departure ends his second stint in charge, which began in 2024.
How South Korea's Campaign Unravelled
Korea entered the tournament with momentum, opening their group stage with a 2-1 victory over Czechia. However, successive 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa derailed their progress. By the time the group stage concluded on 28 June (IST), South Korea's fate had slipped entirely out of their hands, dependent on results elsewhere that did not go their way.
Hong's Resignation Statement
'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 at a press conference.
He added: 'As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected. All responsibilities are with me.' Hong also thanked his coaching staff, saying they had worked together toward 'one common goal.'
A Career Defined by Service to Korean Football
Hong Myung-bo, 57, is one of South Korea's most decorated football figures. He earned 136 caps as a player before transitioning to management in 2009. He previously led the national side in 2013 and 2014. In his second tenure from 2024, he recorded 15 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses — a record that included a fully unbeaten qualifying campaign for the World Cup.
Notably, the group-stage exit is a significant step back for a squad that had qualified without a single defeat — making the tournament outcome all the more jarring for Korean fans and football officials.
What Comes Next for Korean Football
Hong indicated he would continue to support Korean football from outside the dugout. 'My heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support the Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people,' he said. The Korea Football Association (KFA) is now expected to begin its search for a new head coach. The exit raises broader questions about squad depth, tactical preparation, and the country's footballing direction ahead of future international cycles.
Point of View
Player quality, or a broader structural gap between South Korea's regional dominance and their ability to compete at the tournament's final stages — a question that has lingered since their 2002 semi-final run, now over two decades ago.
NationPress
29 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hong Myung-bo resign as South Korea coach?
Hong Myung-bo resigned on 29 June 2026 after South Korea failed to advance past the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026. He said he accepted 'all responsibilities' for the team's exit, which came despite an unbeaten qualifying campaign.
How did South Korea perform at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
South Korea won their opening match 2-1 against Czechia but then suffered consecutive 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa. They were eliminated after the group stage concluded on 28 June (IST), unable to qualify even as one of the best third-placed teams.
How long was Hong Myung-bo in charge of South Korea?
Hong took charge for his second stint as South Korea head coach in 2024. He previously managed the team in 2013 and 2014. Across his second tenure, he recorded 15 wins, 5 draws, and 6 losses.
What is Hong Myung-bo's background in football?
Hong Myung-bo, 57, is one of South Korea's most capped footballers with 136 international appearances. He moved into management in 2009 after retiring as a player, and has now managed the national side across two separate stints.
Who will replace Hong Myung-bo as South Korea coach?
No replacement has been named yet. The Korea Football Association is expected to begin its search for a new head coach following Hong's resignation on 29 June 2026.
