Hong Myung-bo has resigned as head coach of South Korea’s men’s national football team after they failed to advance to the World Cup knockout stage.

The team had hoped they could still qualify for the next round of the tournament as one of the best third-placed teams, but that hope was quashed on Saturday.

The early exit has prompted widespread criticism at home, with President Lee Jae Myung calling for an investigation into reasons behind the team’s disappointing performance.

Hong apologised to fans on Sunday and said the responsibility “rests entirely with me as head coach”.

Ranked 32nd in FIFA’s men’s rankings and led by star player Son Heung-min, South Korea recorded two losses and one win at the World Cup, finishing behind Mexico and South Africa, who are ranked 15th and 60th respectively.

Criticism had mounted quickly after the team’s last match with South Africa on Thursday, which South Korea lost 1-0.

The defeat left them third in Group A. It still gave them hope to qualify for the next round under a new rule introduced with this tournament’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams, which allows the eight best third-placed teams in the group stage to progress to the knockout round. But on Saturday, they were knocked out because of the other teams’ final scores.

Fans blame Hong, who has been coaching the team for the past two years. On Monday, the national team’s official fan club Red Devils issued a statement calling on Hong to “kneel before the entire nation and leave the football world forever”.

Announcing his resignation at a news conference in Mexico on Sunday, Hong said that “we didn’t deliver the results that our fans expected”.

“Even though I am leaving the national team, I am not abandoning Korean football altogether,” Hong said. “I will cheer for the national team from the bottom of my heart and hope that the team will be trusted and loved by the people once again.”

The announcement came after President Lee said that he felt “not just confusion but utter bewilderment at the unexpected outcome”.

In a post on X, Lee said that the early exit of the team “appears to be a failure of organisation and personnel”.

“When favouritism and cronyism take precedence over competence in selecting a commander, the result is as predictable as fire burning paper,” he said.

Hong’s appointment to the head coach post was controversial from the start. The former defender was a hero of South Korea’s 2002 World Cup success, having captained the team to a historic semi-final finish. But when he led the team as a coach in 2014, they failed to advance beyond the group stage – or win a single match.

When Hong was appointed to the same job again in 2024, it was met with harsh uproar. Many football fans criticised the appointment as football association’s old guards giving the top job to their friend, as the KFA passed on a few foreign-born candidates who had undergone a rigorous vetting process.

On Sunday, Hong said that “accepting the job was not an easy choice”.

“I cannot say every decision has been the right one, but I can tell you that I have made every decision with Korean football in mind,” he added.

South Korea police say that they are watching for security threats at Incheon Airport and other locations after a death threat was made online against Hong on his return to Korea over the weekend, local media reported.

It’s been a hot one this week – so here are the best places to enjoy a drink outside in a shady spot

It’s been an extremely hot week, as people across Cambridgeshire have had to cope in record-breaking temperatures. With temperatures reaching up to 38C across the county, stepping outside your house may feel like a sauna – and inside is probably not much cooler.

A visit to the pub in this weather might not seem as satisfying as it usually would. However, there are a number of great pubs across Cambridgeshire that offer shade in beer gardens, allowing people to enjoy a chilled drink during the extreme heatwave.

The Hartford Mill in Hartford Marina

The Hatford Mill in Wyton offers visitors a tranquil view of Hartford Marina. In weather as hot as this, the pub’s cosy beer garden offers not only pretty views, but shaded seats to enjoy a drink in comfort.

There are also some seats in the sun if people want to brave it. The beer garden also has as many seats outside as it does inside.

If parents want to enjoy a drink in the sun, they can send their kids off to the Wacky Warehouse, which features a soft play and ball pit for children of all ages.

The Plough – Fen Ditton

The Plough in Fen Ditton has a very big beer garden that backs onto the River Cam. It is the ideal place to enjoy the sunshine, but also provides shade on scorching days.

The pub is praised for its friendly staff, good menu choice and “great variety and flavour”.

The Floods Tavern – St Ives

Another pub that backs onto a river is the Floods Tavern in St Ives. This backs onto the peaceful banks of the River Great Ouse.

It has plenty of outdoor seating, and the pub building provides shade for the garden. If you’re feeling peckish, the pub has plenty of good food options on offer.

Fort St George – Cambridge

The Fort St George in Cambridge is one of the city’s most famous pubs. The pub is also popular with Royals, as Prince William and Princess Kate enjoyed a meal there in 2012.

The pub is situated on Midsummer Common and is a good place to admire the River Cam. There are plenty of benches outside the pub with umbrellas, making it a peaceful place to enjoy the sun from the shade.

The Rupert Brooke – Grantchester

The Rupert Brooke is found in the historic village of Grantchester, well known for the ITV drama. The pub has become a favourite food spot for locals.

With hot weather like this, the pub’s large terrace area is a lovely place to enjoy a crisp cold drink, especially if the umbrellas are up. It has a menu to suit all food types, with a wide range of meals on offer.

‘You will always be one of us. You will always wear blue. You will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Alex. Forever Blue’

Tributes have been paid to a beloved Portadown mother who passed away suddenly at home.

Alex Magowan passed away on June 25, breaking the hearts of her family, friends and teammates with the mother of two being an important member of Portadown Rugby Football Club women’s team.

She has been described as a “beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth and smile touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”

A notice on Funeral Times said: “Magowan 25th June 2026 At Home. Gillian Alexandra (Alex), Beloved Fiancé Of Christopher And A Much Loved Mother Of Iveigh And August. Dearly Loved Daughter Of Amanda And Reggie. Beloved Sister Of Terri – Jane.

“House Strictly Private. “Funeral Service On Monday 29th June 2026 At 1 Deramore Drive, Portadown At 11:30am Followed By Interment In Kernan Cemetery. “Family Flowers Only Please. Donations If Desired Payable To Little Princess Trust C/o George McNabb & Co. 106 Bridge Street, Portadown BT63 5AP.

“Very Deeply Regretted By Her Sorrowing Fiancé, Daughter, Son, Mother And Father, Sister And All The Family Circle.”

Portadown Rugby Football Club said on social media: “There are no words that can truly express the heartbreak our Women’s team and the entire Portadown Rugby Football Club family are feeling today.

“It is with profound sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved teammate and friend, Alex Magowan.

“Alex wasn’t just someone who wore the blue jersey; she was a beautiful soul whose kindness, warmth and smile touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She filled our changing room with laughter, friendship and unforgettable memories that will stay with us forever.

“We had all been looking forward to welcoming Alex back to the squad after the birth of her beautiful son, August, alongside her precious daughter, Iveigh. We spoke about seeing her back in blue, making more memories together and sharing many more years as teammates and friends. It is heartbreaking that those moments will never come.

“Today, our hearts are with Alex’s partner, her beautiful children, her family and everyone who loved her. We hope they know they are surrounded by the love and support of an entire rugby family.

“Rugby creates friendships that become family, and today our family grieves together.

“If today’s news has affected you, please don’t face it alone. Reach out to a teammate, a friend or a loved one. Our club chaplain, Jonny, is also available to anyone who needs someone to talk to.

“Alex, thank you for every memory, every smile and every moment we shared. It was a privilege to call you our teammate and our friend.

“You will always be one of us. You will always wear blue. You will never be forgotten. Rest peacefully, Alex. Forever Blue.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Most of the properties sold were flats, selling for an average price of £470,871. Terraced properties sold for an average of £984,086, with semi-detached properties fetching £1,327,518.Overall, the historical sold prices in Wimbledon over the last year were 1% down on the previous year and 5% down on the 2022 peak of £908,056.

“Living with mental health has gifted me with a dark sense of humour that I at times inject into my posts, which can be raw, personal and honest, and people have told me it helps, which is amazing.”

What started as a personal diary of food cravings and weight-loss goals on a Facebook blog, From Phat to Phabulous, has now evolved into something much larger. North Belfast woman Nuala Moore is bringing her own life-affirming story to the stage in a brand-new play, My Phat Life, produced by the award-winning Brassneck Theatre Company and starring Caroline Curran.

The play, which delves into the complexities of life, love, loss, body image, and self-acceptance, is a project born from a desire to connect with others.

For Nuala, the inspiration for the play was simple: she wanted to make the invisible visible.

“I’ve always been interested in writing and storytelling as a way to connect with people,” Nuala told Belfast Live.

“I’ve been open over the years about my relationship with my weight, body image and mental health and thought, how can I explain these feelings to someone who doesn’t have the same experiences as me, in a way they will understand, and that’s when I had the idea- I can show them.

“A lot of us share the same thoughts, feelings and struggles. I wanted to tell a story so that people can see they aren’t alone.”

The blog’s backstory is equally personal. It began after the passing of Nuala’s beloved Grandad, a time when she was struggling to cope with grief. Rather than succumbing to the loss, she directed her energy into fitness, with her sister encouraging her to document the journey online.

Reflecting on that time of her life when her grandad passed away, Nuala said: “I felt like I was going to lose my mind. Rather than drown in grief, I channelled my focus and energy into getting fit and thin, going “From Phat to Phabulous”.

“Weight loss came with a restrictive diet and cravings! I’d send dramatic updates to my family group chat about being tired and hungry, detailing how I’d love to eat rice wrapped in bread, deep-fried in fat, and dipped in curry, and my sister encouraged me to document it online in a blog.”

What began as a diary about restrictive diets and the pursuit of a size 10 has morphed into a vibrant community.

“It slowly turned into a beautiful online community of people supporting me as I talked about my journey through life and how hard it is to be a living, breathing person sometimes. I felt like it was my self-assigned duty to motivate people and show them, “If I can, you can too!” but, despite the weight, whether it’s on or off, people’s support remains unchanged.

“Now, the blog feels more natural and relatable because the conversation is about day-to-day life and everything in between, from memes to TV shows, going for a walk with the dog and being “from phat to phabulous” – less concerned about weight and more focused on being your absolute phabulous self! Nuala adds

Putting such personal experiences on public display is a daunting prospect, but Nuala feels the impact is worth it.

“Yes, I feel vulnerable because I am exposing myself to online criticism and sometimes cruelty, but that’s only a small percentage, which the positives more than outweigh, said Nuala.

“Living with mental health has gifted me with a dark sense of humour that I at times inject into my posts, which can be raw, personal and honest, and people have told me it helps, which is amazing! So, feeling vulnerable for a moment is worth it.”

At 38, Nuala is finding her voice and challenging the idea of what it means to be “grown up.” She describes how she loves to make people uncomfortable by asking what age they think she is, which is a huge part of the humour she weaves through her online posts.

Nuala admits that the road to seeing her words on stage was not without self-doubt, but credits Brassneck Theatre Company with providing the support needed to turn her vision into reality.

She explained: “I knew I had a story to tell, I just didn’t know how to go about it, I doubted myself and self-sabotaged. A friend put me in touch with Brassneck Theatre Company, whose support for me has been unwavering from the moment my email arrived in their inbox – I will be forever grateful to them.

“They believed in me, which has helped me have faith in myself, and I think we can all be that for someone – the belief they need, the encouragement, the listening ear.

“I failed my 11+, went to secondary school, didn’t go to university – my point being, you can achieve great things regardless of your background

“If we all cheered for and supported each other, the world would be a much happier and kinder place.”

My Phat Life promises a poignant yet hilarious exploration of the everyday struggles we all face. You can catch the performance at the Roddy McCorley Heritage Centre in West Belfast on various dates between July 30 and August 9th. Performances run from 8:00 pm to 9:15 pm, and tickets can be purchased online at Ticket Tailor. You can follow Nuala’s blog page here.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane trading blows in an electric race for the Golden Boot made plenty of headlines.

That in itself was a gift for Fifa, with the world’s most recognisable players all showing up and trying to outdo each other.

But the World Cup is not just about the star names, certainly at the group stage.

The colour and character of football from around the globe takes the focus.

We did not get any shock defeats in meaningful games for the big teams, like Saudi Arabia beating eventual champions Argentina four years ago.

But there were real stories.

Cape Verde, an archipelagic country in the Atlantic Ocean, may not have come to the World Cup expecting to qualify for the knockout rounds. And they were written off by many before they got on the plane.

After all, who could have imagined they would emerge from a group which included Uruguay and European champions Spain?

That Cape Verde could take a point off Spain, and stop them scoring too, was remarkable. Not just that, they then drew 2-2 with Uruguay, too.

The draw against Saudi Arabia in the final group game secured second placed in the group and a date with world champions Argentina in Miami on Friday.

Ok, they might have been the only team to finish in the top two on three points, but they did what they needed to do.

There could be no greater vindication of Infantino’s plan. Cape Verde were the poster boys.

Vozinha, their 40-year-old goalkeeper, is now a social media star thanks to his heroics against Spain.

Starting the game with 50,000 followers on Instagram, that shot up to five million after full-time. At the latest count, he has 16.7m.

And then his mother, who had been unable to attend the World Cup because of the high cost of obtaining a US visa, was able to fly in for the Uruguay game.

It is a story which only the World Cup can create for a player like Vozinha, who has spent his career in Moldova, Cyprus, Slovakia and the Portuguese second division.

South Korea has unveiled plans for about $1tn (£760bn) of investments to build out the country’s chip manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities in the coming years.

It is part of the country’s so-called Three Mega Projects to develop new chip production hubs, data centres and robotics technology.

The plan is aimed at rejuvenating the economies of areas outside the capital Seoul, President Lee Jae-myung said on Monday.

It comes as regional rivals like Taiwan, China and Japan are investing heavily in chip factories and other technologies as the AI boom pushes up demand for semiconductors.

“We must secure the core elements of AI faster than any other country,” Lee said. “Semiconductors, physical AI, and AI data centres are the triple axis for a great leap forward.”

Lee announced the plans in a televised event alongside the leaders of Samsung and SK Hynix, the country’s two largest chipmakers.

The companies are expected to build a semiconductor manufacturing hub in the south west of the country.

Lee also announced plans to build other AI infrastructure hubs outside of Seoul, where most of the country’s advanced factories are currently concentrated.

Earlier, Lee said in a statement that the project was a matter of “survival” for the country to address the decline in rural areas due to the concentration of industries in Seoul.

“Now, we must break this long-standing cycle of discrimination and marginalisation – not only for the sake of justice and equity, but also to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth,” he wrote.

Samsung and SK Group, which count the likes of AI chip giant Nvidia among their customers, have been some of the biggest beneficiaries of the surge in spending on AI infrastructure.

US tech giants – including Google, Amazon and Meta – said they will spend $650bn into the technology this year.

SK Hynix’s stock market valuation topped $1tn in May, driven by the boom in AI data centres.

The surge in demand for chips to power AI has led to a global shortage of semiconductors, sending prices higher.

Last week, Apple and Microsoft raised the prices of some of their devices, due to higher costs of components.

But some investors have raised concerns about the huge amounts of money being poured into AI, which has triggered some shares to slide in recent days.

The US and Iran have agreed to ‘stand down for now’ after a weekend of skirmishes in and around the Strait of Hormuz, media reports say citing a US official

The US and Iran have agreed to “stand down for now” after an exchange of strikes in and around the Strait of Hormuz over the past few days, media reports say citing a US official.

“Technical talks are slated to continue on all areas of the MoU [memorandum of understanding]. Both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely,” the official told The Hill on Sunday, referencing the 14-point MoU signed by both sides on June 17.

Iran has not commented on the reports that it has agreed to halt strikes.

The US struck Iran on Friday in response to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

The strikes came shortly after US President Donald Trump called the drone attack a “foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement” in a Truth Social post. Asked by reporters whether the US would respond to the attack, he said: “You’ll find out.”

The US military carried out airstrikes on Iranian drone and missile storage facilities and coastal radar sites on Friday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

CENTCOM said Iranian forces hit the Ever Lovely, a Singapore-flagged ship, with a one-way attack drone as it exited the Strait of Hormuz.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said a cargo ship was struck 7.5 nautical miles southeast of Oman’s port of Dahit on Thursday.

The Ever Lovely’s owner, Evergreen, said the vessel had been following the UKMTO’s recommended route through the strait when it was struck. “All crew members remain safe as does the vessel itself and all cargo,” it added.

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Rapper Skepta took to social media with a ‘sickening’ video of 13-year-old North West to urge her parents Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to ‘protect your kids’

Skepta, a UK rapper, has urged Kim Kardashian and Kanye West to “protect your kids” in response to a video of their 13-year-old daughter North West being hugged by a man on social media.

The rapper took to X with the video, in which North was approached by an adult man at the Verements Menswear Spring/Summer 2027 show at Paris Fashion Week. The teenager put out her hand for a handshake, hugged the man and then posed for a photo.

Skepta fumed in a string of tweets that North should not have been at the show and interacting with strangers.

“A blind man could see she wanted a handshake,” he fired off. In another tweet, he added: “My fans know I try to stay out of [people’s] business but the way grown men, complete strangers try to use North makes me sick.”

One X user asked if hugging were a “social offence now”, but Skepta argued that North’s body language made it clear that she was not looking for a hug. “She is 13-years-old,” he continued. “And she put her hand out for a handshake, you don’t ignore that.”

Another user said that North, who is the eldest of Kim and Kanye’s four children, has “skipped being a teenager” because of her family’s fame and the amount of piercings she’s been able to get, despite only just becoming a teenager. Skepta responded: “WOW!! Protect your kids people. Protect your kids!”

He also said that he thought it was “sickening” how there now seemed to be a lack of understanding about what is and isn’t appropriate behaviour, arguing that schools should now teach people “body language”.

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Kim and Kanye have four children together – North, Saint, Chicago and Pslam. This is not the first time that Kim has come under fire for her parenting, particularly in regards to North and her appearance.

In September, Kim was slammed for allowing then 12-year-old North to get a finger piercing and to walk around Rome in a corset. On TikTok, fans have had their say as one user fumed: “NORTH IS 12!!!!! She’s a literal child. Why is her mother and all those grown-ups around her allowing her to dress and act like this??? Don’t get me started on the piercing. Sexualising herself like this at such a young age is just so wrong.”

“Guyssssss. This just isn’t okay. North is 12-years-old. Yes, we’re all for expressing yourself through fashion but this just screams all the wrong things. Shame on Kim Kardashian,” another echoed.

A third said: “Kim was allowed to be a kid in her childhood so why is she letting North dress like a woman in her twenties. Bad parenting.” The Mirror approached Kim’s representatives for comment at the time.

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Welcome to our Who am I? game.

The rules are simple. Each day there’s a new footballer and the challenge is to guess who they are in as few attempts as possible.

After each wrong guess you unlock a new clue. Guess the answer after as few clues as possible to score more points.

Three is a good score, four or five points is exceptional.

So take part and return for more tomorrow.

Today’s player and clues set by BBC Sport’s Huzaifah Khan.

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