'Red X' on Hong Myung-bo's face for 'leaving the U.S.'... BBC reveals dismissed coaches after World Cup disaster

*This content was translated by AI.

Former South Korea national team coach Hong Myung-bo was named among the seven head coaches eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, as highlighted by the UK's BBC.

The UK football program "Match of the Day" officially released photos of the seven head coaches who left their national teams at the end of this World Cup via its official social media (SNS) on the 3rd. The image shows a red "X" marked over the faces of former South Korea national team coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned voluntarily, and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, among others.

Four coaches were dismissed during the group stage alone. Tunisia's Sabri Lamouchi was the first to be fired immediately after a 5-1 defeat against Sweden in their opening match. Miroslav Koubek of the Czech Republic, who finished last in Group A with one draw and two losses, stepped down as head coach. The Czech Republic lost 2-1 to South Korea in their group stage opener.

Following that, Hong Myung-bo of South Korea and Steve Clarke of Scotland, both of whom recorded third place in the group stage but failed to advance to the round of 32, also resigned immediately after being eliminated from the group stage.

Three additional coaches stepped down during the knockout stage. Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman resigned after losing to Morocco in the round of 32 via penalty shootout, taking responsibility for poor performance. Ecuador's Sebastian Beccacece also parted ways with his team upon contract expiration after losing to host nation Mexico and missing out on a spot in the round of 16.

Recently, even Nagelsmann of Germany, once considered a title contender, joined the list of dismissed coaches. Germany lost to Paraguay in the round of 32 via penalty shootout. Subsequently, under intense public criticism, Nagelsmann decided to resign, forfeiting the remainder of his contract.

Meanwhile, former coach Hong Myung-bo, who resigned immediately after being eliminated from the group stage, suddenly departed for the United States just two days after returning with the team on the 2nd. Although he dismissed rumors of internal conflict with key players such as Son Heung-min prior to his departure, the controversy has not subsided.

Currently, the National Assembly is considering holding a hearing targeting former coach Hong Myung-bo and the Korea Football Association to investigate the poor World Cup performance and allegations of discord within the national team. However, since former coach Hong Myung-bo departed without clearly stating his return schedule, it remains unclear whether he will appear at the hearing.

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*This content was translated by AI.