Aguirre linked as South Korea manager after World Cup exit

With South Korea’s 2026 World Cup exit still fresh, Javier Aguirre (64, Mexico) is being floated as the next head coach of the national team. Mexican outlet ‘ES’ reported on 14 July that talks are underway regarding Aguirre’s candidacy for the Korea Republic manager role.

South Korea finished the group stage on 1W-0D-2L (3 pts), 3rd in Group A, and missed the Round of 32 on goal difference. Their final match on 25 June ended in a 1-0 loss to South Africa, leaving them 10th among the 12 third-placed teams. League standing: 3rd, 3 pts, 1W-0D-2L, recent form LLW.

Why Aguirre? Lee Kang-in factor back in focus

Aguirre’s potential appointment has revived memories of his past connection with Lee Kang-in (PSG). The Mexican coach took charge at Mallorca in March 2022 and unleashed Lee’s talent on the left wing. Increased work rate and speed, paired with pinpoint left-foot crosses, set up Vedat Muriqi for goals; Lee finished the 2022-23 La Liga season with 6 goals and 6 assists, a career-best, before sealing a €22 million move to Paris Saint-Germain that summer.

The two met again at a friendly between Korea and Mexico in the U.S. last September, exchanging warm greetings. During the World Cup, they were seen chatting along the touchline, reinforcing the bond. Aguirre also led Japan at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, giving him East Asian experience.

KFA reform could delay appointment

While Aguirre’s name is in play, Korea’s football reform process may slow any deal. After former coach Hong Myung-bo’s resignation and former KFA president Chung Mong-gyu’s exit, the government announced sweeping reforms. A K-Football Innovation Committee led by Park Ji-sung and Lee Young-pyo is overhauling governance, including election systems.

The National Assembly’s Culture, Sports and Tourism Committee plans to grill former president Chung and coach Hong over the appointments of Jürgen Klinsmann and Hong himself. One insider noted, “Talks with Aguirre are ongoing, but the priority is letting the KFA’s situation settle.” President Lee Jae-myung’s government has launched an official probe into the 2026 World Cup failure, placing the reform committee in charge.

Hiring timeline and Lee Kang-in’s future

The new KFA leadership must follow a government-mandated open-recruitment process that could take weeks or months. If the timeline holds, a permanent coach may not be named until early 2027, forcing interim leadership during the September–October international window.

Aguirre’s potential arrival could spotlight Lee Kang-in, who remains a cornerstone for Korea. Despite the disappointing World Cup exit, the young core—including Lee—continues to draw attention. Goals this season: 2 scored, 3 conceded (-1 goal difference). Title race: 6 points behind leaders Mexico. Recent form (last 5): 3W-0D-2L (LLWWW; lost the last 2).