Fans target coach as South Korea returns from disappointing World Cup

South Korea’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign ended with an emotional and at times tense homecoming, as fans gathered at Incheon International Airport to protest the team’s early exit and direct their anger at head coach Hong Myung-bo, Complex reports.

Supporters booed and held up protest banners as the squad returned, with the harshest criticism aimed at Hong, who resigned on Sunday (June 28) following South Korea’s failure to progress beyond the group stage despite high expectations.

As Hong emerged from the terminal, fans jeered and chanted for his departure. He walked past reporters without taking questions while police formed a secure corridor leading to the team bus. Nearby, demonstrators displayed signs condemning both the coach and the broader state of South Korean football.

One banner read that "South Korean football is dead," while protesters repeatedly called for Hong to step down.

The atmosphere shifted when the players appeared. Although frustration over the team’s performance remained, many fans applauded the squad and expressed appreciation for their efforts, in stark contrast to the reception given to the coach.

South Korea’s elimination was sealed by a surprise 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their final group-stage match. The result left the team with one win and two losses, ending any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.

The outcome was widely seen as a major disappointment for a squad regarded as one of the country’s most talented in years. Led by captain Son Heung-min, alongside Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in, South Korea had entered the tournament with expectations of reaching at least the Round of 16. Many supporters had viewed the competition as a final opportunity for the 33-year-old Son to guide the team on a deep World Cup run.

Instead, scrutiny focused on Hong’s tactical decisions, particularly his choice to leave Son on the bench for the first half of the must-win match against South Africa, a move that drew immediate criticism and remained a central point of contention after elimination.

Questions over Hong’s leadership had predated the tournament. His appointment in 2024 had already sparked debate among fans, some of whom argued that the Korea Football Association’s hiring process lacked transparency.

Following the exit, Hong acknowledged he struggled to explain the team’s collapse before announcing his resignation, a response that failed to satisfy many supporters seeking accountability.

Some fans at the airport said they believed the coach had squandered one of South Korea’s strongest generations of talent.

The Korea Football Association did not hold an official welcome ceremony for the returning team.

By Tamilla Hasanova