South Korea in search of a new coach: familiar names among the candidates

It is reported that the South Korea national team has begun searching for a new head coach following their unsuccessful performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

According to Star News Korea, two main candidates are being considered for the position. One of them is Roberto Martínez, who recently left the Portugal national team.

Martínez emerges as a Korean option

Roberto Martínez managed the Portugal national team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However, the Portuguese side failed to achieve the expected results in the tournament, after which the specialist stepped down from his post.

Now, it is reported that he has been included in the list of candidates for the head coach position of the South Korea national team.

Paulo Bento is also one of the main candidates

According to the source, another primary candidate is Paulo Bento.

The Portuguese specialist led South Korea to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Therefore, his candidacy is a well-known option for the Koreans.

The team is currently without a coach

At present, the head coach position for the South Korea national team remains vacant.

It was previously announced that Hong Myung-bo was dismissed following the unsuccessful group stage results at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Korea is preparing for a new chapter

The Korea Football Association now faces an important choice.

On one side is Paulo Bento, who knows the team environment well, and on the other is Roberto Martínez, who has worked with Portugal and other national teams.

For Korean football, the next decision is not just about appointing a new coach, but could define an entirely new direction for future major tournaments.