South Korea's head coach Hong Myung-bo, who has announced his resignation following the team's elimination in the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, arrives at Seoul-Incheon International Airport, in Incheon on June 30, 2026. Photo: JADE GAO / AFP
South Korean football fans angered by the country’s World Cup first-round exit greeted the returning squad early Tuesday with one message for head coach Hong: his time was up.
Hong, a former national team defender, resigned on Sunday after South Korea finished the group stage with one win and two losses, dashing hopes of a deep run led by captain Son Heung-min.
South Korea crashed out after failing to qualify for the knockout stage as one of the tournament’s eight best third-placed teams.
The Round of 32 had appeared within reach until a shock 1-0 defeat to lower-ranked South Africa in their final group match ended their campaign.
