South Korea’s Aguirre hiring debate heats up

South Korea is sitting 3rd (3 pts, 1W‑0D‑2L) in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has slipped into an LLW recent form. Fans are rallying behind former Mexico boss Harbier Aguirre (67) as the top candidate for the next head coach. Aguirre led Mexico to a 1‑0 win over South Korea in the group stage, then fell 2‑3 to England in the round of 16. He is now a free agent, and many see him as the ideal architect for Korea’s future.

Why might Aguirre fit South Korea?

Aguirre coached Mallorca in 2022, where he first paired with Lee Kang‑in, treating the youngster like a protégé and exploiting his press‑break and passing skills. In a recent press conference he called Lee "like family" and joked about his dyed hair, showing a personal bond. Supporters argue that with Lee as the centerpiece for the next eight years, Aguirre would get the most out of the squad. South Korea has just posted a 5‑game run of WWWLD, currently on a three‑match winning streak.

Current team status and competition

South Korea’s attack has struggled, tallying 2 goals scored and 3 conceded (‑1 goal difference) in the tournament. They sit six points behind leaders Mexico in the group. The last result recorded on 2025‑11‑18 was a 1‑0 win over Ghana, indicating a tightening defence. Yet the lack of firepower remains a glaring issue.

Outlook and challenges ahead

If Aguirre signs, he will likely revamp the offensive system around Lee Kang‑in while tightening the back line to erase the ‑1 goal gap. Fans have already voiced, "It would be great if Aguirre signs a four‑year deal and leads the team through 2026‑2030." No contract details are set, but Aguirre’s free‑agent status gives the Korean FA a clear option.

Open questions without a wrap‑up

Should Aguirre take the helm, can South Korea leap from its current 3rd‑place slot to a deeper run? Will a Lee‑centric approach translate into tangible results on the pitch? The answers will shape the nation’s World Cup destiny.