South Korea president blames football leadership after World Cup exit, questions Hong Myung-bo appointment

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has criticised national team coach Hong Myung-bo and questioned the decision-making process behind his appointment after the country’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

South Korea were expected to advance to the knockout stage but were eliminated after consecutive defeats against Mexico and South Africa in the group stage.

In a post on X, Lee blamed what he described as a flawed selection process by the Korea Football Association, arguing that appointments based on personal connections rather than ability can lead to failure.

“In the end, it has once again been proven that personnel is everything,” Lee wrote, criticising what he called favouritism and a lack of accountability in leadership decisions.

He said the World Cup disappointment reflected a broader organisational failure and called for stronger oversight systems, greater transparency and accountability in sports bodies.

Lee also pointed out that taxpayer money and state resources support South Korea’s participation in major sporting events and urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to investigate the circumstances behind the team’s failure and recommend improvements.

Hong Myung-bo’s return as national team coach in 2024 had already sparked controversy, with critics accusing the football association of favouritism in the appointment process.

The latest criticism has intensified debate over governance and leadership within South Korean football following the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign.