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Hong, Korea Republic part ways

Mon, 29 Jun, 2026

Hong, Korea Republic part ways

Guadalajara: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned on Sunday, a day after his side's group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 57-year-old former captain, in his second stint as coach, oversaw an early FIFA World Cup departure for the second time to go with the failure in 2014.

Hong takes blame as Korea Republic's hopes fade

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Hong takes blame as Korea Republic's hopes fade

Monterrey: Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo took the blame for his team's 1-0 defeat to South Africa on Wednesday that left their FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes hanging by a thread.

Hong left superstar Son Heung-min out of his starting line-up for his side's final group match in Monterrey.

After a bright start for the East Asian side, South Africa were the better team, showing greater invention and a sharper cutting edge. Thapelo Maseko's second-half strike proved the difference between the two teams.

Group A: South Africa 1-0 Korea Republic

Thu, 25 Jun, 2026

Group A: South Africa 1-0 Korea Republic

Guadalupe: Korea Republic's FIFA World Cup 2026 hopes were left hanging by a thread following a 1-0 defeat to South Africa in their concluding Group A tie on Wednesday.

The defeat meant South Africa - who have never done so before - joined group winners Mexico in advancing automatically while Korea Republic's fate now depends on whether they can qualify for the next stage as one of the eight best third-placed sides.

Preview - Group A: South Africa v Korea Republic

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: South Africa v Korea Republic

Guadalupe: Korea Republic will look to finish the job when they face South Africa in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A tie at the Estadio Monterrey on Wednesday.

Hong Myung-bo’s side began their campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Czechia before being edged 1-0 by Mexico, a result which left the Taegeuk Warriors with one final hurdle to clear in their bid to reach the knockout stage.

Victory would guarantee Korea Republic a place in the Round of 32, while a draw could leave them dependent on the result between Mexico and Czechia. Defeat, however, would open the door for South Africa to leapfrog them.

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Hong urges Korea Republic to look forward

Zapopan: Head coach Hong Myung-bo urged his Korea Republic players to forget about a missed opportunity but instead focus on advancing to the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

A 1-0 defeat to Mexico on Thursday meant the co-hosts confirmed not only the Group A top spot but also became the first side to confirm their Round of 32 spot while Korea Republic will have to beat South Africa to be absolutely sure of advancing.

Group A: Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic

Fri, 19 Jun, 2026

Group A: Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic

Zapopan: Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 1-0 win over Korea Republic at a delirious Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.

Luis Romo's goal just after half-time put Mexico through as Group A winners with a match to go following a goalkeeping mistake by Kim Seung-gyu. In contrast, Mexico stopper Raul Rangel made a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve their lead.

Finishing top keeps Mexico at home in the last 32 with a game against a third-placed team in Mexico City. Korea Republic are second on three points, with Czechia and South Africa also still alive on one.

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Wed, 17 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: Mexico v Korea Republic

Zapopan: Korea Republic will face Mexico in Group A on Thursday knowing victory will seal their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage.

The East Asian side showed immense grit to come from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their opening match but will have to tread with caution against co-hosts Mexico, who impressed in their 2-0 win against South Africa.

Hong: Intensive preparations paid off for Korea Republic

Sat, 13 Jun, 2026

Hong: Intensive preparations paid off for Korea Republic

Zapopan: Hong Myung-bo attributed Korea Republic's high altitude training for the thrilling 2-1 win against Czechia in their opening FIFA World Cup Group A tie on Thursday.

The East Asian side fought back after going behind with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu securing their first opening match win on the global stage since 2010.

Group A: Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Group A: Korea Republic 2-1 Czechia

Guadalajara: Korea Republic roared back from a goal down to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A opener on Thursday.

Strikes from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed a perfect start for the East Asian side who had found themselves trailing to Ladislav Krejci's goal despite dominating the tie at the Estadio Guadalajara.

Son keeping 'fired-up' teammates calm ahead of kick-off

Thu, 11 Jun, 2026

Son keeping 'fired-up' teammates calm ahead of kick-off

Mexico City: Korea Republic captain Son Heung-min said his teammates were so excited about their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener against Czechia he could "feel it in their eyes".

Son will lead out his side on Thursday in the tournament's second match after co-hosts Mexico kick-off the showpiece against South Africa.

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Czechia

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Preview - Group A: Korea Republic v Czechia

Zapopan: Korea Republic will be determined to kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with victory against Czechia when the sides meet in Group A on Thursday.

The East Asian side will head into the encounter with a spring in their step after having defeated El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago in the buildup.

Asian Stars to watch

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

Asian Stars to watch

Kuala Lumpur: Asia will be represented by nine teams at the expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 which kicks off on Thursday.

It promises to be a thrilling campaign for all of the Asian sides, with each bidding to create history.

As we get set for the action, the-AFC.com highlights a key player for each of the Asian teams at the global showpiece.