South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo resigns as president orders probe

Hong Myung-bo has resigned with immediate effect after South Korea’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup. The 57-year-old took charge of the national team in 2024 and had been contracted through to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The team finished third in Group A. After a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic, defeats to Mexico and South Africa left South Korea relying on other results to advance, and they failed to reach the knockout stages for the third time in the last four tournaments.

President Lee Jae Myung demanded a full investigation, posting on X: "I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome - I am utterly baffled." He asked the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the circumstances, analyse causes and develop measures to prevent recurrence and improve the system.

Public anger rose sharply after the loss to South Africa, with broadcasters reportedly blurring Myung-bo’s face during his post-match press conference.

South Korea

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