Who is in the frame for South Korea's next coach?
Hervé Renard is emerging as the leading candidate to take charge of South Korea’s national team after a shaky start at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The French tactician, fresh off stints with Argentina and South Africa, is now being courted by multiple nations including South Korea, Senegal, and Algeria. With South Korea sitting third in their group on 3 points from 3 games and staring at an early exit, Renard’s international pedigree is seen as the spark the Taegeuk Warriors need.
Renard guided Morocco to the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup and steered Saudi Arabia to a second-place finish in their group at the 2022 edition. Those achievements have South Korea’s hierarchy weighing his ability to steady a ship that has conceded three goals and scored just two so far in Qatar 2026 qualifying.
Why Renard fits the bill
Renard brings a wealth of experience coaching across Africa and South America. He led South Africa to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final and steered Algeria to the 2013 continental title. Those trophies sit alongside a 1-1 draw with Jordan on 25 March 2025 and an unbeaten run of one win and one draw in his last two games in charge. Those numbers have convinced Korean football insiders that his man-management and tactical nous could be the missing piece for a side that currently trails group leaders Mexico by six points.
Renard’s recent unbeaten spell (1W-1D) and his knack for extracting maximum points from underdog squads make him an attractive proposition. With South Korea already eliminated from the knockout stages mathematically after three games, the federation is under pressure to act-and fast.
Other names in the mix vs Renard’s edge
While several foreign coaches are in the frame, Renard’s World Cup pedigree and continental trophy haul set him apart. His track record in high-pressure environments-turning Saudi Arabia into a surprise package in 2022 and taking Algeria to glory in 2013-gives him the edge over rivals who lack similar global experience.
As of 23 July 2026, South Korea sit third in their group with three points and a goal difference of -1. Six points behind leaders Mexico, the Taegeuk Warriors need a reset-and Renard’s arrival could provide exactly that.
What happens next?
Renard’s potential appointment is being touted as South Korea’s best hope for a reset after their disappointing World Cup 2026 campaign. His ability to galvanise underdog teams-most recently steering Saudi Arabia past the group stage in 2022-has convinced insiders that he could be the man to steady the ship.
With the World Cup 2026 group stage already lost, the Korea Football Association faces a stark choice: gamble on proven leadership or risk another early exit. Renard’s arrival would signal a bold new chapter for a team that has scored just two goals and conceded three in three games so far.
