A tournament to forget
The euphoria that had surrounded South Korea's entry into the 2026 World Cup quickly faded as the group stage concluded without a single knockout berth. Fans in Seoul and beyond voiced their frustration, filling streets with chants demanding accountability and expressing disbelief at the squad's underwhelming display.
In response, head coach Hong Myung‑bo announced his resignation, saying the team had fallen short of the expectations placed upon it by supporters and stakeholders alike.
President Lee Jae‑myung, who had been watching the matches from the sidelines, expressed bewilderment at the outcome and subsequently called for a thorough investigation into the factors that led to the disappointing performance.
The resignation of Hong Myung‑bo, a 2002 tournament hero who once captained the side to a historic semi‑final run, marks the end of a brief but eventful tenure marked by both triumphs and trials.
Looking ahead
The Korean Football Association has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review, with plans to appoint a new coach who can rebuild the squad's competitiveness and rekindle the nation's passion for the sport.