South Korean President Lee Jae Myung calls national team coach incompetent after World Cup miss

South Korea failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after finishing third in its group with Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic, recording one win and two losses. The early elimination sparked a strong reaction from President Lee Jae Myung, who wrote on X that he is "not just surprised by this unexpected result, I am completely confused" and labeled the coach Hong Ming‑bo as "incompetent".

Lee accused the football federation of cronyism, saying that "when 'us versus them' takes priority over ability and an incompetent person is chosen as leader, the result is clear." He ordered the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to launch a thorough investigation into the selection process and the team's shortcomings, calling for measures to prevent a repeat.

The coach's re‑appointment in 2024 had already drawn criticism over a lack of transparency, and the president's intervention signals possible administrative reforms in South Korean football.