Shouted at by fans, South Korea coach’s poor World Cup form ignites calls for sacking Hong Myung-bo’s men dumped in group stages at mega event for fourth time in row despite bright opening South Korean coach Hong Myung-bo had to face vociferous jeers from angry supporters when the national team returned home after a miserable 2026 FIFA World Cup outing in which the campaign was cut short at the group stage despite a good beginning.
About a few hundred fans had come to the airport to welcome the squad, however, disappointment was clearly visible from their attitude. South Korean team disappointed supporters and the chants turned toward Hong, seeking his resignation, when the squad failed to qualify for the Round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup Group A stage.
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While a few players were cheered for their attempts on the field, but the coach’s job was put under serious scrutiny for early elimination of the Taeguk Warriors.
South Korean squad, in the beginning of the tournament, looked in form to qualify for the knockout rounds. They beat Czech Republic 2-1 in their first fixture, and lost only 0-1 against the hosts Mexico.
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The hope for the Round of 32 lay in the final match against South Africa. But a 1-1 draw meant that the country ended its World Cup journey and South Africa alongside Mexico progressed from the group.
This is another disappointing outcome for one of Asia’s best footballing nations who were hoping to build on their historic run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup where they reached the Round of 16, and even better, a famous third place at home in the 2002 World Cup.
Their form in the mega event never gained traction throughout and the tactics of Hong came under severe criticism.
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“I accept that the expectations were not met, and I am sorry,” Hong told reporters at the airport. “I will review this with the KFA and then make a decision on my future,” he added, not divulging when he planned to do so.
A technical assessment of the South Korean team’s World Cup performance is expected over the next few weeks in an attempt to pave way for new beginnings.
