Hong Myung-bo resigns as South Korea head coach after 2026 World Cup exit | OneFootball

Hong Myung-bo resigned as South Korea head coach on Sunday after their 2026 World Cup group-stage exit. According to Superdeporte, he confirmed the decision during a brief media appearance at the team base in Zapopan, Mexico, offering a public apology.

He apologised to supporters, said the responsibility for the results was his, and accepted some choices may have been wrong, while stressing they were made for Korean football. He read a statement of around two minutes and took no questions.

South Korea opened Group A with a win over Czech Republic, then lost to Mexico and South Africa. They failed to rank among the eight best third-placed sides and did not reach the last 32. The run fuelled unrest at home and pressure on the Korea Football Association, KFA.

Hong had planned to leave the role after the tournament. He is the second manager to resign after Scotland’s coach, while Tunisia’s boss was dismissed after only one matchday.

A 2002 World Cup semi-finalist as a player, Hong returned in 2024 for a second spell, replacing Jurgen Klinsmann. He previously led the team at the 2014 finals. As then, his side went out in the group stage.

Source: Superdeporte