"Was South Korea this popular?" As Bento's return is explored, Martinez and Poyet also target the national team job [2026 World Cup]

[Financial News] The race to fill the vacant head coach position for the South Korea national football team, left open by Hong Myung-bo's voluntary resignation, is heating up as foreign managers show strong interest. Even amid the painful early exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, where South Korea finished with one win and two losses for 34th place, and the successive departures of senior Korea Football Association officials, the appeal of leading the national team appears to remain strong in world football.
The first name to emerge as a leading candidate is Paulo Bento, the man who guided South Korea to the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Bento, who recently stepped down from his role with the United Arab Emirates national football team and is now taking a break, is said to have conveyed his strong desire to return to the South Korea job through an acquaintance at the association. Around the football world, there is growing optimism that he could become the top candidate if his track record with Korean football is already proven and his commitment is firm.
The moves of former coach Gus Poyet, who once dominated the K League stage, are also drawing attention. In media interviews, Poyet publicly declared his interest in the South Korea head coach position. His biggest asset is that he led Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Football Club to the K League 1 and Korea Cup double in the 2025 season, giving him a deep understanding of the strengths and tendencies of domestic players. However, he will need to overcome concerns raised during his time at Jeonbuk, including off-field and on-field noise, as well as his recent dismissal after just seven matches at Saudi Arabia's Al Kholood following poor results.



Adding to the intrigue is Roberto Martinez, the world-renowned former Portugal manager. Having coached Everton in the English Premier League and the Belgium national team, he led Portugal at this North American World Cup but exited after a round-of-16 loss to Spain. In terms of pedigree and reputation, he is a heavyweight who overshadows both Bento and Poyet.
Of course, their active expressions of interest do not necessarily mean an appointment is imminent. With Jung Mong-gyu having resigned and the association president post now vacant, the Power Enhancement Committee that will lead the next coaching appointment has yet to be fully formed. Restoring order to the association's shipwrecked governance is clearly the first task.
Even so, the string of overtures from prominent managers suggests that South Korean football's potential and appeal, as it seeks to move beyond Asia and onto the global stage, continue to be highly valued.


[email protected] Jeon Sang-il Reporter