South Korea Eliminated From 2026 World Cup After Shock Loss to South Africa
South Korea suffered a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their final 2026 World Cup Group A match, squandering a chance to advance with a draw. Captain Son Heung-min was controversially benched for the first time in 16 years by coach Hong Myung-bo, sparking national outrage. The loss, coupled with other results, eliminated South Korea from the tournament. Son apologized to teammates and dismissed weather excuses, while Hong took full responsibility. The defeat highlighted systemic issues in Korean football.
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Threatened Ex-Coach Hong Myung-bo Flees to US After Hostile Welcome in South Korea
Hong Myung-bo, former head coach of the South Korean national football team, resigned after the team's first-round elimination in the 2026 World Cup. Upon returning to South Korea on Tuesday, he faced an extremely hostile welcome, including death threats and abusive chants. Just two days later, he flew to Los Angeles for security reasons. He denied rumors of internal team conflicts and hinted that his story would be disclosed later. Meanwhile, a wave of sympathy for him emerged in Japan, where he once played as a player. The article highlights the intense public backlash in South Korea against the team and especially its coach.
Home Football - actualitésSouth Korean Team Discord: Hong Myung-bo Reportedly Confronted Son Heung-min in Locker Room
Multiple South Korean media outlets report internal discord within the South Korean national football team during the 2026 World Cup group stage. According to a tip received by lawmaker Jin Jong-oh via a Korean Football Association corruption reporting center, a locker room confrontation occurred after the Mexico match, with head coach Hong Myung-bo allegedly asking Son Heung-min what right he had to discuss the match and ordering him out. The discord reportedly escalated when Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung refused to comply with coach's order to resume interviews with journalists, leading to their exclusion from the starting lineup against South Africa. South Korea lost that match and failed to advance from the group stage. The incident has triggered sustained criticism in South Korean media regarding Hong Myung-bo's personnel decisions, tactics, and team management, exposing serious issues within the coaching staff's leadership.
虎扑 - 足球2026 World Cup: South Korea Players and Coach Greeted with Hostile Reception at Incheon Airport After First-Round Elimination
South Korea's national football team and recently resigned coach Hong Myung-bo were met with a hostile reception by supporters upon their return to Incheon Airport following their elimination in the first round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Fans shouted obscenities and displayed a sign depicting Hong with a Pinocchio nose, calling for his departure and the dissolution of the football association. The incident has taken a political turn, as South Korean President Lee Jae-myung ordered the Ministry of Sports to investigate the team's early exit, criticizing the federation's leadership selection and calling for comprehensive reforms to prevent recurrence.
Home Football - actualitésSouth Korea Coach Hong Myung-Bo Booed at Airport After World Cup Exit
South Korea's national football team head coach, Hong Myung-bo, and several players were met with intense anger upon their arrival at Incheon Airport early Tuesday morning after being eliminated in the group stage of the World Cup. Dozens of fans booed them heavily, with Hong Myung-bo singled out by chants of 'Get out!' One fan violently confronted him with insults. The coach had already resigned the day after the elimination, and the backlash has escalated to include criticism from South Korea's president, demands for a coaching ban, and death threats. An investigation into the death threats is ongoing.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSouth Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Booed and Threatened with Death at Airport After World Cup Exit
South Korea's national football team coach Hong Myung-bo was met by furious supporters at Incheon Airport upon returning from the 2026 World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage. Despite arriving at 4 a.m. to avoid protesters, he was confronted by a crowd chanting for his resignation, with drums, insults, and one fan violently confronting him. Hong has received death threats and now has enhanced protection. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed being 'completely baffled' by the failure and called for an investigation into the coach's appointment process, suggesting competence was not prioritized. According to the latest reports, Hong Myung-bo has resigned from his position as head coach.
Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertSon Heung-min apologizes for South Korea's early 2026 World Cup exit, promises to 'run to death' for fans
South Korea captain Son Heung-min issued a public apology following the team's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the group stage. South Korea won their opening match in Mexico but lost the subsequent two games, including a decisive 1-0 defeat to South Africa, finishing third in Group A and failing to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. Son, who was dropped from the starting lineup and brought on in the second half, was unable to score during the tournament. The 33-year-old LA FC forward posted an emotional message on Instagram, expressing deep hurt and responsibility. Head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned shortly after the exit, and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for an official investigation into the team's performance. Son urged fans to send warm support and encouragement rather than criticism to all the players.
BBC SportSon Heung-min Vows to 'Win Back Hearts' of South Korea After World Cup Exit
South Korea captain Son Heung-min issued a lengthy apology on Instagram after his nation was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. South Korea finished 1-2-0 in Group A, losing a crucial final match 1-0 to South Africa, which allowed South Africa to claim second place. Coach Hong Myung-bo faced criticism for not starting Son in that match; Son subbed on at halftime but managed only one shot. Son expressed deep regret, stating that no apology could fully convey the fans' disappointment, and vowed to dedicate his life to football to win back their hearts. The apology came one day after Hong resigned and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for a government investigation into the team's early exit. Son, who now plays for Los Angeles FC in MLS, urged fans to offer support instead of excessive criticism.
Yardbarker: SoccerHeung-min Son Apologizes After South Korea's 2026 World Cup Elimination
South Korea was one of the biggest disappointments of the 2026 World Cup, failing to advance past the group stage and finishing as one of the worst third-placed teams. This led to head coach Hong Myung-bo's resignation and a rift within the Korean football federation. Captain Heung-min Son issued a public apology on Instagram, stating he cannot pretend ignorance of what happened and acknowledging the heartbreaking and painful nature of the team's performance, particularly the loss to South Africa. Son, who started on the bench in that match—a decision heavily criticized—pledged to dedicate himself fully to bringing joy back to fans, reaffirming his commitment to the promises he made to them.
FútbolSouth Korean football fans demand Hong Myung-bo refund salary after World Cup elimination
South Korean national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo and players arrived at Incheon International Airport on June 30 at 3:52 AM after being eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. About 50 fans gathered despite the early hour, shouting slogans such as 'Hong Myung-bo step down' and 'Return your salary before you leave,' and beating drums to express criticism. Hong remained silent and left directly. The Korea Football Association announced no welcome ceremony would be held, marking the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup that the team did not hold an airport ceremony after an overseas World Cup. The team finished third in Group A with 1 win and 2 losses, failing to advance to the round of 32. Over 100 police officers were deployed to maintain order; no incidents occurred. Hong has stated he will take responsibility and voluntarily resign.
虎扑 - 足球South Korea Fan Organization Red Devils Demands Hong Myung-bo Kneel and Apologize, Leave Football
Following South Korea's group-stage elimination from the 2026 World Cup despite a favorable draw, head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned. In response, the official fan organization Red Devils released a scathing statement condemning Hong and the Korea Football Association. The statement accuses Hong of betraying fans' sincerity, using their support to cover past failures, and insulting fans with absurd excuses instead of apologizing. It demands that Hong kneel and apologize to the entire Korean people and leave football forever. The Red Devils declare they will fight until the deep-rooted ills of Korean football are eradicated, calling on the public to join their struggle.
虎扑 - 足球South Korea deploys 160 riot police at airport after World Cup manager death threats
South Korean authorities have deployed over 160 riot police officers and 25 special security guards to Incheon Airport ahead of the national football team's return from the 2026 World Cup. Coach Hong Myung-bo received death threats following South Korea's disappointing group-stage exit, where they won only one match against Czechia before losing to Mexico and South Africa. Hong resigned from his position after the tournament, becoming the fourth World Cup coach to step down. President Lee Jae-myung expressed shock at the early elimination and called for an investigation into the team's performance. Fans had launched a petition demanding Hong's removal, and his public standing deteriorated to the point where he was reportedly turned away from shops and restaurants.
Mirror - FootballSouth Korea Coach Hong Myung-bo Faces Death Threats, Mega Security at Airport
Following South Korea's elimination in the group stage of the World Cup, head coach Hong Myung-bo has faced intense criticism and numerous death threats. The situation escalated after the team's poor performance—winning only one match against the Czech Republic before losing to Mexico and South Africa. South Korea's president called for an investigation, and media, including broadcaster KBS, heavily criticized the coach. Social media posts explicitly threatened to kill Hong Myung-bo at Incheon Airport upon his return. In response, the Incheon Metropolitan Police Agency deployed 160 riot police and airport officers, plus 25 private security guards, to protect the team's arrival. Police vowed to respond firmly to any illegal acts, including throwing objects.
RecordSouth Korean Fans Demand Lifetime Ban for Coach Hong Myung-bo After 2026 World Cup Exit
Following South Korea's elimination in the first round of the 2026 World Cup, a group of supporters called 'Red Devils' has issued a statement demanding that coach Hong Myung-bo be permanently banned from South Korean football, saying his resignation is insufficient. The poor performance has escalated into a state affair, with President Lee Jae Myung ordering the Ministry of Sports to investigate. Hong resigned immediately but drew further ire by allegedly failing to apologize and making incoherent remarks. The fans cited disrespect toward supporters and players, noting this was likely the last World Cup for captain Son Heung-min. Hong's managing career has been marked by early exits, including a similar first-round elimination in 2014. The statement vows to continue campaigning until deep-rooted problems in South Korean football are addressed.
Home Football - actualitésDeath Threats Against South Korea's Coach After World Cup Group Stage Exit
Following South Korea's early elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the group stage, former national coach Hong Myung-bo has received death threats. An anonymous user in a South Korean online forum threatened to kill him upon his arrival at the airport. In response, approximately 160 police officers and a 25-member security team will be deployed at Incheon Airport when the team returns on Tuesday. The coach announced his immediate resignation after the tournament. This marks Hong's second early World Cup exit as head coach, having also failed in the group stage in 2014. South Korea's president, Lee Jae-myung, publicly criticized the team's performance, calling the result 'absurd.' The team won their opening match 2-1 against the Czech Republic but suffered 1-0 defeats to Mexico and South Africa, missing the knockout stage on goal difference.
BILD - SportForeign Spectator Holds 'Hong Myung-bo Out' Sign at US Baseball Stadium, Angering Korean Fans
According to South Korea's Financial News and reported by Hupu, a foreign spectator at a Los Angeles baseball stadium held a placard reading 'Hong Myung-bo out' in Korean while displaying the South Korean flag. The scene was broadcast live on the stadium's big screen, with surrounding fans sneering. This incident sparked heated discussion among South Korean netizens, who expressed shame and frustration over the global embarrassment stemming from the national team's worst-ever performance in the 2026 North Central America World Cup, where South Korea finished third in Group A with 1 win and 2 losses, failing to advance. Former coach Hong Myung-bo, who took responsibility and resigned, remains a target of widespread criticism.
虎扑 - 足球South Korean fan group demands lifetime coaching ban for former national team coach Hong Myung-bo
Following South Korea's group-stage elimination from the World Cup after a 1-0 loss to South Africa, former head coach Hong Myung-bo has resigned amid a wave of public outrage. The Red Devils, the official supporters' group of the national team, issued a press release demanding that Hong be permanently banned from coaching in the country. The group accuses Hong of making 'nonsense' statements and insulting fans, adding that he has not apologized. They call for him to 'deeply reflect, appear before citizens, and permanently leave football.' The supporters vow to fight what they call 'evil forces plaguing Korean football,' escalating the crisis around the national team.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSouth Korea World Cup Boss Hong Myung-bo Quits After Early Exit, President Demands Investigation
Hong Myung-bo has resigned as head coach of the South Korea national football team following their group-stage elimination at the 2026 World Cup in North America. South Korea started the tournament with a 2-1 win over Czechia but lost 1-0 to both Mexico and South Africa, failing to advance as one of the top eight third-place finishers. Angry fans started a petition calling for Hong's removal, and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung expressed bewilderment at the early exit, calling for a probe into the reasons. Hong, in his second stint as national team boss, confirmed his resignation in a press conference in Mexico. His reappointment in 2024 had sparked allegations of favouritism and lack of transparency, which he denied. Hong becomes the fourth manager to leave after poor performances in this World Cup.
Mirror - FootballSouth Korea coach Hong Myung-bo receives death threats after World Cup group stage exit
South Korea's 2026 World Cup campaign ended in the group stage following a 1-0 defeat to South Africa, sparking intense public outrage. Head coach Hong Myung-bo has faced severe criticism, including being banned from some stores, and has resigned from his position. The situation escalated when a person claiming to be a U.S. citizen posted an online death threat on June 28, pledging to kill the coach upon his arrival at Incheon Airport. South Korean police have launched an investigation and are monitoring the airport and other locations. Hong took over the team in July 2024, returning to a role he held from 2013 to 2014, which also ended in group-stage elimination. His appointment was already controversial due to transparency concerns in the Korean Football Association's recruitment process, following a troubled tenure by Jürgen Klinsmann.
Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continuSouth Korean President Criticizes World Cup Coach After Group Stage Elimination
Following South Korea's elimination in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, President Lee Jae Myung publicly criticized national coach Hong Myung-bo, accusing him of being appointed due to loyalty rather than competence. The president expressed being 'completely stunned' by the result and called for a thorough investigation by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, as well as far-reaching reforms in sports administration. Hong Myung-bo, who had led South Korea as captain to a historic fourth-place finish in 2002 but also suffered a group-stage exit as coach in 2014, announced his resignation in response to the presidential criticism. The incident marks a rare direct intervention by a head of state in national team affairs, escalating tensions around the team's poor performance.
BILD - SportSouth Korea football coach Hong Myung-bo quits as President Lee calls for probe into World Cup loss
South Korea's national football team head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on June 29, 2026, after the team failed to advance past the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. Despite a new tournament format allowing the eight best third-placed teams to progress, South Korea was eliminated after finishing third in Group A behind Mexico and South Africa. President Lee Jae-myung called for an investigation into the disappointing performance, criticizing the coaching selection process as marred by favoritism. Hong apologized to fans, taking full responsibility. His appointment in 2024 had been controversial, and his resignation followed widespread criticism and a reported online death threat against him upon his return to Korea.
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