Hong Myung-bo has resigned as head coach of South Korea's men's national football team after they failed to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup. Ranked 32nd in FIFA's men's rankings and led by star player Son Heung-min, South Korea recorded two losses and one win, finishing behind Mexico and South Africa.

The team's last match was a 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Thursday, leaving them third in Group A. They had hoped to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams under the new expanded format, but that hope was dashed on Saturday.

President Lee Jae-myung called for an investigation into the team's disappointing performance, saying he felt "not just confusion but utter bewilderment at the unexpected outcome." In a social media post, he stated: "When favouritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper."

Hong's appointment was controversial from the start. He captained South Korea to a historic semi-final finish in 2002, but as head coach in 2014, the team failed to advance past the group stage. His reappointment in 2024 was met with harsh criticism, with fans accusing the football association of cronyism.

Apologizing to fans on Sunday, Hong said: "The responsibility rests entirely with me as head coach. Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether. I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart."

Local media reported that police are monitoring security threats at Incheon Airport and other locations after an online death threat was made against Hong ahead of his return to Korea.

Source: www.bbc.co.uk