Supporters blame tactical decisions and disappointing campaign as national team misses knockout stage despite “golden generation” expectations.
SEOUL, South Korea – South Korean football fans have expressed their anger following the national team’s early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, directing their frustration at head coach Hong Myung-bo as the squad returned home.
The returning team arrived at Incheon International Airport on Tuesday to a divided reception, with supporters applauding players while loudly protesting against the coach, chanting “Hong out” and calling for his resignation.
Hong, a former South Korea national team defender, announced his resignation on Sunday after the team failed to progress beyond the group stage, recording one win and two defeats in their three matches.
South Korea’s hopes of reaching the knockout rounds ended after a surprise 1-0 defeat to lower-ranked South Africa in their final group match, eliminating them from contention for one of the best third-place spots.
The coach walked silently through the airport arrival area under heavy media attention and declined to respond to reporters’ questions.
While players received cheers from some supporters, Hong faced a hostile reception from angry fans who accused him of wasting the opportunity presented by a talented generation of Korean footballers.
“Thanks for all your hard work,” one supporter told players as they passed through the terminal, in contrast to the boos directed at Hong.
Police were deployed to manage crowds, with several dozen protesters gathering outside the airport carrying banners criticizing the state of South Korean football.
One banner read: “South Korean football is dead,” while fans continued chanting demands for Hong to leave.
Fans Question Coaching Decisions
Criticism intensified after Hong admitted following the team’s elimination that he was struggling to understand what went wrong during the tournament.
His resignation announcement also failed to convince some supporters, who questioned whether he had fully accepted responsibility for the disappointing performance.
“I question whether his resignation was sincere, given his attitude when he made the announcement,” supporter Kim Gi-mo told AFP.
The controversy adds to existing criticism surrounding the Korea Football Association decision in 2024 to appoint Hong as head coach, with some critics previously questioning the transparency of the selection process.
Disappointment for South Korea’s Golden Generation
Expectations had been high before the tournament, with South Korean media describing the squad as a “golden generation” featuring internationally recognized stars including captain Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in.
Many supporters believed the team had the quality to reach the Round of 16, especially with the tournament widely viewed as a possible final World Cup appearance for Son, who turns 34 next month.
However, one of Hong’s biggest decisions came under intense scrutiny when he left Son on the bench for the first half of the crucial match against South Africa.
“I was very shocked that he benched Son against South Africa. I think that was the beginning of everything that went wrong at this World Cup,” university student Song Min-kyung told AFP.
The disappointing campaign has now sparked renewed debate over South Korea’s football leadership, coaching decisions and the future direction of the national team.
