Hong Myung-bo quits as South Korea coach after World Cup group exit

Hong Myung-bo stepped down as head coach of South Korea's men's national team in late June 2026, a day after the side was eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup. It was his second spell in charge, and his second early exit at the tournament after 2014.

South Korea beat the Czech Republic but lost to Mexico and South Africa, finishing third in their group on three points. Reports of a rift in the dressing room had surrounded the campaign. Hong said he accepted full responsibility and read a prepared statement without taking questions.

The fallout quickly became political. President Lee Jae Myung criticised the coach and ordered a review of the national team programme, and officials planned to question leaders of the Korea Football Association, the sport's governing body, over how coaches had been appointed. Hong's departure left the team without a manager and raised questions about discipline and unity within the squad, which is the background to later comments from captain Son Heung-min on the state of the group.