KFA has appointed Hwang Sunhong as the interim coach to lead Korea Republic men’s national team against Thailand over the course of two matches in the second round of the Asian Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
 

Having discussed the matter in three previous meetings with the KFA’s National Team Reinforcement Committee, chairman Chung Haesoung announced the decision at a media briefing on Tuesday: “We have decided to appoint Hwang Sunhong, who is currently in charge of the national team for the Olympic Games, as the interim coach to oversee the two matches in the qualifying for the World Cup next month. And we are looking to appoint a full-time coach by early May at the latest, in order to prepare for the forthcoming qualifiers in June.”
 

KFA had assembled a new National Team Reinforcement Committee following its decision to part ways with former national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann on 16 February. The committee held three meetings on 21, 24 and 27 February, during which three candidates for the interim role have been shortlisted. Hwang was on top of the list and offered the job, which he has accepted recently.

Chung explained: “There were some similar cases in and out of the country where a coach led the senior national team and the U-23 national team at the same time. Hwang proved his ability by winning the Asian Games, and also has rich experience in international competitions as well as other Asian teams.”

Therefore, Hwang is set to lead Korea Republic national team from the training camp on 18 March to the World Cup qualifying game in Thailand on 26 March. At the same time, the Olympic national team will be led by Hwang’s assistant coaches during the friendly tournament in Saudi Arabia. Hwang’s interim staff for the national team will be appointed after discussions with the coach and the committee in due course.