2026 World Cup: South Korea’s Myung-bo Hong Becomes Fourth Coach To Lose Job

South Korea head coach Myung-bo Hong has become the fourth manager to leave his post during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after resigning following his country’s group-stage exit.

The 57-year-old stepped down after South Korea finished with one win and two defeats from three 2026 World Cup matches, recording three points before crashing out of the tournament.

Announcing his decision at a press conference earlier today, June 28, Hong apologised to supporters and accepted full responsibility for the disappointing campaign.

“I offer my sincere apologies to all citizens who supported the national team. I will step down from my coaching role. The position of national team head coach is not some preordained duty; it is a role built on communication, where accountability must run through everything from planning to final results,” he said.

“Over the past two years, I have constantly questioned myself, reflecting on whether every choice I made truly served South Korean football. None of my decisions was perfect, yet this period remains an important chapter for South Korean football.

“I stand here to take full accountability. We failed to deliver the performances everyone expected, and the responsibility lies squarely with the head coach. I am grateful to all players, my coaching staff and everyone involved.

“I am resigning from my post as national team manager. My passion for South Korean football will never fade. Thank you to all media personnel for your coverage and support. I am truly sorry I could not meet your expectations.”

Hong was appointed in July 2024 on a contract that was due to run until after the 2027 Asian Cup. During his spell in charge, he led South Korea in 27 matches, recording 15 wins, five draws and six defeats.

His departure follows a growing list of managerial casualties at the tournament.

Scotland’s Steve Clarke resigned on June 27 after his side’s Group C elimination, bringing an end to his seven-year reign despite having recently signed a four-year contract extension.

Tunisia dismissed Sabri Lamouchi on June 16 after a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Sweden in their opening Group F fixture. He was replaced by Hervé Renard who is also expected to leave the job following the country’s disappointing exit from the group stage of the World Cup.

Ahead of the weekend, Marcelo Bielsa also walked away from his role as Uruguay coach after the South Americans failed to win a single match and were eliminated in the group stage with just two points.

Bielsa accepted responsibility for the team’s poor showing, saying his time in charge had ultimately “left nothing” for Uruguayan football.