South Korea President Lee Jae Myung asks for government investigation after Korea Republic's group-stage exit from 2026 FIFA World Cup

× Korea Republic president Lee Jae Myung has requested a government investigation after his nation crashed out in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ad The Taegeuk Warriors started their campaign with an inspired comeback to beat Czechia 2-1. However, they suffered back-to-back 1-0 losses against Mexico and South Africa to finish third in Group A and bow out of the tournament.

In a post on X, Lee claimed that he was 'baffled' by Korea Republic's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He assured fans that swift actions will be taken, writing (via New York Times): Ad Trending "I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome—I am utterly baffled. Given that significant national taxpayer funds and state support resources are invested even in World Cup participation, I ask that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism thoroughly investigate the precise circumstances of this incident, analyse its causes, and develop thorough measures for preventing recurrence and improvement.

We will swiftly push forward with reforms to sports administration to ensure such a thing never happens again." Ad Much of the blame from fans and pundits fell on coach Hong Myung-Bo's tactical approach and man management. Despite winning 136 caps for Korea Republic (second-most behing Heung-min Son) and captaining them to a fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup while earning Bronze Ball honours, Hong has faced massive backlash from his nation's fans.

Multiple eateries and departmental stores put signs on their doors claiming that the 57-year-old would not be allowed into their establishments after his horrendous showing. Just hours after the President's social media post, he resigned from his position as the head coach of the Korea Republic. Ad "Hope that the team will be trusted and loved again" - Korea Republic coach Hong Myung-Bo makes claim while stepping down after torrid 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign Korea Republic boss Hong Myung-Bo stepped down from his role as head coach on Sunday (June 29), days after his side's shock elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ad Speaking to reporters, the 57-year-old took responsibility for his side's poor campaign. He said (via FIFA): "To all of the Korean people who love and support our national team, I would like to genuinely apologise. Today, I'd like to announce that I will step down as the national team head coach.

It was not an easy decision for me to take this role, but once I took it, I thought about nothing else except being responsible until the very last moment." Ad "As the head coach, no explanation can supersede the ultimate result. I could not bring the result that our people had expected.

All responsibilities are with me... However, my heart for Korean football will remain the same. I will now support Korea national team to regain the trust and love of our people," Hong added.

With stars like Heung-min Son, Lee Jae-Sung and Kim Seung-Gyu in the twilight of their careers, Korea Republic face a massive challenge ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. × Was this article helpful? Thank You for feedback Quick Links More from Sportskeeda Edited by Aaryan Nagraj Korea Republic president Lee Jae Myung has requested a government investigation after his nation crashed out in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ad The Taegeuk Warriors started their campaign with an inspired comeback to beat Czechia 2-1. However, they suffered back-to-back 1-0 losses against Mexico and South Africa to finish third in Group A and bow out of the tournament. In a post on X, Lee claimed that he was 'baffled' by Korea Republic's early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He assured fans that swift actions will be taken, writing (via New York Times): Ad Trending "I am not just taken aback by this unexpected outcome—I am utterly baffled. Given that significant national taxpayer funds and state support resources are invested even in World Cup participation, I ask that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism thoroughly investigate the precise circumstances of this incident, analyse its causes, and develop thorough measures for preventing recurrence and improvement. We will swiftly push forward with reforms to sports administration to ensure such a thing never happens again."

Ad Much of the blame from fans and pundits fell on coach Hong Myung-Bo's tactical approach and man management. Despite winning 136 caps for Korea Republic (second-most behing Heung-min Son) and captaining them to a fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup while earning Bronze Ball honours, Hong has faced massive backlash from his nation's fans. Multiple eateries and departmental stores put signs on their doors claiming that the 57-year-old would not be allowed into their establishments after his horrendous showing.

Just hours after the President's social media post, he resigned from his position as the head coach of the Korea Republic. Ad "Hope that the team will be trusted and loved again" - Korea Republic coac