South Korea’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked widespread outrage, with fans, politicians and football officials demanding answers after the national team failed to progress beyond the group stage.
The backlash intensified after South Korea suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their final group match, ending a campaign that had begun with optimism following an opening victory over the Czech Republic. A subsequent loss to Mexico left Hong Myung-bo’s side needing a positive result in their final fixture, but an uninspired performance sealed an early elimination.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned shortly after the team’s exit, accepting responsibility for the disappointing campaign. His decision came amid mounting criticism over his tactics, team selection and controversial decision to leave captain Son Heung-min on the bench during the decisive match against South Africa. The move drew fierce criticism from supporters and pundits alike.
Public frustration extended beyond the coaching staff. President Lee Jae-myung described the outcome as “utterly baffling” and ordered an official investigation into the circumstances surrounding the team’s failure. He questioned the process that led to Hong’s appointment in 2024 and called for a review of the Korea Football Association’s decision-making, arguing that significant public investment in the national team requires accountability.
The Korea Football Association has already faced criticism in recent years over its governance and coaching appointments, with many fans accusing the organisation of favouritism and poor leadership. The latest World Cup disappointment has reignited those concerns, with calls for structural reforms growing louder across the country.
The reaction among supporters has been equally severe. Social media platforms were flooded with criticism of both the players and football authorities, while petitions demanding changes to the national team’s leadership gained momentum. South Korean media also delivered harsh verdicts, reflecting the sense of frustration surrounding a squad that featured internationally recognised stars including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae but failed to live up to expectations.
Some players have even received death threats.
For Hong, once celebrated as the captain who helped South Korea reach the semi-finals of the 2002 World Cup, the resignation marks a difficult end to his second spell in charge. As attention turns to finding his successor, the focus will also be on whether the promised investigation leads to meaningful reforms aimed at restoring confidence in South Korean football
