Park Hang-seo Bows His Head... Deep Apology for Hong Myung-bo's Squad's 34th-Place Exit

Aftermath of World Cup Disaster Spreads to FA Accountability
Players Returning Home Sequentially, No Separate Events Planned

Park Hangseo, Vice President of the Korea Football Association and general manager of the South Korean national team for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, bowed his head before the public over the team’s elimination in the group stage.

On June 29 (Korean time), ahead of the World Cup wrap-up press conference held at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan near Guadalajara, Mexico, Park issued an official statement. Standing before reporters with a grim expression, he said, "As the general manager, and on behalf of the Korea Football Association, I sincerely apologize for falling short of the public’s expectations at the North and Central America World Cup."

On the morning of the 28th (local time), Park Hangseo, the general manager of the South Korean national soccer team that was eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, held a press conference at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan near Guadalajara, Mexico, to apologize for the poor performance. Photo by Yonhap News

Park continued, "The players, coaches, and support staff prepared for the tournament to the best of their abilities, but ultimately failed to deliver results that would reward the public’s support. I am grateful to the fans for their unwavering encouragement during the tournament and once again offer my deepest apology." He further emphasized, "In order for Korean football to make a fresh start after this disappointing World Cup, the Football Association must engage in painful self-reflection and prepare for the future anew." At the same press conference, Head Coach Hong Myungbo also announced his intention to resign, taking responsibility for failing to reach the Round of 32.

South Korea, which had set its sights on reaching the quarterfinals on away soil for the first time in history, competed in Group A against the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa. The team started strong with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in the first match, but then lost 0-1 to both Mexico and South Africa. Their final record was one win and two losses, placing them third in their group. With the tournament expanded to 48 participating nations, the top eight third-placed teams from the groups were also granted spots in the Round of 32. After the group stage, South Korea watched the results of other groups for three days, hoping for a wild card entry, but ultimately failed to qualify for the Round of 32. The team finished in 34th place overall.

The national team will also return home quietly. The Korea Football Association announced that the main squad will arrive at Incheon International Airport on the morning of the 30th, but there will be no special homecoming event or official media activities. This marks the first time since the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup that the national team has omitted a homecoming event after an overseas World Cup.

Head coach Hong, along with players such as Jo Hyunwoo, Kim Minjae, Hwang Inbeom, Hwang Heechan, Baek Seungho, Kim Moonhwan, Lee Kangin, and Seol Youngwoo, will return to Korea first, while the remaining players, including captain Son Heungmin, are scheduled to return in stages by July 1, depending on their club schedules. The association explained that, due to difficulties in securing flights and safety concerns, no separate events will be held.

Park Hangseo, the director of the Korea national football team, which failed to advance to the Round of 32 in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, is holding a year-end press conference on the 28th (local time) at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, Mexico. Photo by Yonhap News

This elimination has reignited criticism toward the Korea Football Association. Despite having key players like Son Heungmin, Kim Minjae, and Lee Kangin, who are active in Europe, Korean football failed to reach the Round of 32 in the first 48-team World Cup. Criticism has focused on head coach Hong’s lack of tactical planning, and issues surrounding the coach selection process since the start of the Hong Myungbo regime have resurfaced. In 2024, former national team member Park Jooho claimed that the selection process for the head coach was not conducted properly, while the association cited breaches of confidentiality agreements and hinted at legal action. Subsequent criticism from football figures such as Park Jisung, Lee Youngpyo, and Koo Jacheol has further intensified internal discord within the association.

It has also become difficult for the leadership of Chairman Chung Monggyu and the national team’s management system to avoid criticism. The Football Association had already faced controversy over the appointments of former coach Jurgen Klinsmann and Hong Myungbo, as well as previous sudden amnesty decisions. With the disaster of this World Cup added to the list, calls are mounting not just for a coaching change but for a comprehensive overhaul of the association’s administration and decision-making structure.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.