National Football Team Head Coach Hong Myung-bo Resigns Following Failure to Reach Round of 32

National football team head coach Hong Myung-bo has stepped down from his position, taking responsibility for the team's elimination from the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
Hong announced his resignation this morning (June 29), the day after the team's elimination was confirmed, at Chivas Verde Valle, which served as the national team's base camp training facility.
Dressed in dark clothing, Hong first bowed his head and said, "I am sincerely sorry to the people of Korea," adding, "All responsibility for failing to achieve results lies with me. I will step down from my position as head coach of the national team."
Appointed on July 8, 2024, Hong's term was originally scheduled to run until the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, which is set to be held in January 2027.
He is leaving his post about half a year early following the failure to advance to the round of 32 at the World Cup.
Competing in Group A alongside host nation Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, South Korea was eliminated after finishing third in the group.
The team won its first match against the Czech Republic 2-1, but lost 0-1 to host nation Mexico in the second match. In the final match against South Africa, where a draw would have been enough to secure a spot in the round of 32 on its own, the team lost 0-1.
Subsequently, South Korea fell to 10th place among the 12 third-place teams, resulting in their elimination.
With the number of participating nations expanded to 48 for the first time in this tournament, South Korea's final ranking is 34th.
Hong, who previously led the national team to a disappointing performance of one draw and two losses at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, has returned his national team coaching duties early after failing to conclude his second opportunity as a World Cup head coach with success.
(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.