Korea Republic, seeking an 11th consecutive appearance at the FIFA World Cup, will be managed by interim head coach Kim Do-hoon for the Group C ties against Singapore (June 6) and China PR (June 11).

Kim, who steered Korea Republic side Ulsan Hyundai to the AFC Champions League™ 2020 title, also previously managed Incheon United and Singapore’s Lion City Sailors.

The 54-year-old has stepped in after Korea Republic were handled by Hwang Sun-hong for the previous two matchdays following the departure of Jurgen Klinsmann after the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023™.

Korea Republic, on 10 points, only need a draw from their remaining two matches to confirm their spot in the next round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, which will also seal them a berth in the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027.

A new era will begin in Vietnam with Kim Sang-sik taking over the helm after signing a two-year contract in May. The 47-year-old takes over from Frenchman Philippe Troussier who parted ways with the Golden Star Warriors following defeats to Indonesia on Matchdays Three and Four.

The Korean is a former K League 1 winner with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC and his immediate task will be to revive Vietnam’s qualification chances in the matches against Philippines (June 6) and Iraq (June 11).

The Southeast Asian side are on three points, four adrift of second-placed Indonesia with Group F leaders Iraq having already confirmed their spot in the next phase.

Hong Kong, China will also have an interim head coach following Jorn Andersen’s departure on Wednesday after two and a half years in charge, having led them to the AFC Asian Cup™ after a 56-year absence.

Austrian Wolfgang Luisser, who was Andersen’s assistant, has been given the caretaker position for Hong Kong’s remaining matches against Islamic Republic of Iran (June 6) and Turkmenistan (June 11).

Hong Kong, on one point, are already out of the running with Iran and Uzbekistan having already assured themselves of finishing in the top two positions after accumulating 10 points each.