Hong Myung-bo accepts blame for South Korea's World Cup loss, citing player injury

South Korea's World Cup 2026 campaign has hit a significant setback, with head coach Hong Myung-bo taking full responsibility for the team's unexpected 1-0 loss to South Africa. The defeat has dropped South Korea to third place in Group A, jeopardizing their progression to the knockout stages.

"The result of today's match is the coach's responsibility," Hong stated in a post-match interview. He attributed the loss to a sense of impatience within the squad, while emphasizing that his players gave their utmost effort. The team's performance has drawn criticism, particularly after entering the tournament with high expectations.

A key moment in the match was the substitution of star defender Kim Min-jae in the second half. Hong explained that the change was due to a calf injury sustained by the player, raising concerns about his availability for future matches should South Korea advance. The team now faces a tense wait to see if they can still qualify for the next round.