South Korea sacks Jurgen Klinsmann as coach: Korean FA

Jurgen Klinsmann was sacked as South Korea coach Friday following defeat to Jordan in the semi-finals of the Asian Cup and revelations about a bust-up between star players. “The KFA has decided to change the national head coach following a comprehensive review,” Korea Football Association president Chung Mong-gyu said. “Klinsmann’s attitude and competitiveness as head coach has fallen short of people’s expectations and it was agreed that this would not be improved going forward, so we have decided to change leadership ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifying games.” Klinsmann said it had been “an incredible journey” and thanked his players in a post on social media, just before the axe fell. With fans and South Korean media demanding Klinsmann’s dismissal, the KFA’s national team committee had on Thursday said that “a change of leadership is necessary”. “The KFA will right away embark on finding the next head coach for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.” Yonhap previously reported, citing unnamed sources, that the KFA would consider a temporary appointment for next month’s World Cup qualifiers against Thailand if Klinsmann were to be sacked.