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9h ago

South Korea Coach Resigns After World Cup Exit as President Orders Probe

The government has opened an inquiry into Korea Football Association hiring and the national team campaign to examine whether coaching choices and procedural failures led to the elimination.

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South Korea's football team members arrive following the team's elimination in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Seoul-Incheon International Airport, in Incheon on June 30, 2026. South Korea's dismal World Cup first-round exit has sparked fury at home and calls for a complete overhaul at the top have not been silenced by coach's resignation. South Korea coach resigned on June 28, 2026, a day after his side's group-stage exit from the World Cup and following condemnation from the country's president. (Photo by JADE GAO / AFP)
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Overview

  • South Korea finished third in Group A with one win and two losses and failed to reach the knockout stage after defeats to Mexico and South Africa.
  • Head coach Hong Myung‑bo announced his resignation on Sunday, June 28, apologizing and accepting responsibility for the team's performance.
  • President Lee Jae Myung directed the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the team’s campaign and KFA hiring practices amid charges that selections favoured loyalty over competence.
  • Online death threats prompted a formal police response and deployment of about 160 riot and airport officers, and returning players faced boos and protest banners at Incheon International Airport.
  • Critics have highlighted Hong’s 2024 reappointment and the Seoul Administrative Court finding about irregularities in the KFA hiring process, raising pressure for governance reforms and possible disciplinary action.