Hong Myung-bo's Coaching Tactics Lead South Korea to First World Cup Win

Hong Myung-bo celebrated a significant personal milestone after guiding South Korea to a 1-0 victory in their opening match of the 2026 North American World Cup qualifiers. The win marked his first-ever World Cup triumph as a head coach.

"Today's victory was achieved by the players who worked hard on the field," Hong stated, reflecting on the hard-fought win. He drew parallels to his playing career, recalling his own first World Cup win in 2002 after debuting in 1990. "As a coach, I first led the team in the 2014 World Cup, and now, 12 years later, I've achieved my first win," he added with a slight smile.

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Today's victory was achieved by the players who worked hard on the field.

Hong's coaching journey has been notable. He first took the helm of the national team for the 2014 Brazil World Cup but was dismissed after the team failed to advance from the group stage with one draw and two losses. He returned to the managerial position approximately two years before the current World Cup, becoming the first South Korean manager to lead the national team to the finals twice.

This victory places Hong in esteemed company. He joins a select group of South Korean managers who have secured wins in the World Cup finals, following Huh Jung-moo (1 win, 1 draw, 2 losses in 2010) and Shin Tae-yong (1 win, 2 losses in 2018).

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As a coach, I first led the team in the 2014 World Cup, and now, 12 years later, I've achieved my first win.