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South Korea's national team coach, Hong Myung-bo, stepped down on Sunday following the team's disappointing early exit from the World Cup. Hong announced his resignation to the squad in Mexico after South Korea finished third in Group A with three points, secured from one win and two losses. This result prevented the team from advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
The 57-year-old former South Korea captain faced significant criticism from media and former players for controversial tactical decisions, most notably benching captain Son Heung-min in the decisive loss to South Africa. Hong was appointed in July 2024 for his second stint leading South Korea, with a contract extending through the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled for January in Saudi Arabia.
This marks the second time he has failed to guide South Korea out of the World Cup group stage, having experienced a similar outcome during his first tenure as coach at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
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