The Lao Football Federation (LFF) announced the departure of South Korean coach Ha Hyuk-jun after his contract with the LFF expired on the afternoon of January 2, 2026.
The Federation stated in a press release: “We would like to thank Coach Ha Hyuk-jun for his 1 year and 4 months with the Laos U23 and Laos national teams.
Coach Ha led the Laos U23 and Laos national teams from August 2024 until the end of 2025. Under Coach Ha’s leadership, the Laotian players improved significantly, creating many difficulties for their opponents.
He shared his experience, knowledge, and skills with the Laotian coaches and players, inspiring and motivating them to improve. We wish him good health, happiness in life, success in everything he does, and good luck in his new endeavors.”
Ha’s achievements include leading the Laos national teams… The Laos U23 team drew 3-3 with the Indonesian U23 national team in the 2024 ASEAN U23 Championship, resulting in their elimination from the group stage. They also drew 0-0 with Indonesia U23 in the 2026 AFC U23 qualifiers.
Furthermore, under coach Ha, the Laos national team achieved its first miracle by drawing 1-1 with Thailand in a friendly match at the end of 2024.
At the 33rd SEA Games, the Laos U23 team under coach Ha was eliminated from the group stage after losing two matches. However, he still helped Laotian football develop further.
Following the Lao Football Association’s departure from coach Ha, the association will search for a new coach and is expected to announce the new coach during the 2026 World Cup.