Bento wants to return as South Korea national team coach
Former South Korea national team coach Paulo Bento has expressed his interest in returning to the position, according to sources. Bento has reportedly expressed his interest in the position through a close friend at the Korea Football Association.
National team coaching position vacant
The national team coaching position is currently vacant. After the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, where South Korea failed to advance to the round of 32 (34th place), Hong Myung-bo, the former coach, resigned due to poor performance.
Bento's return intentions
Bento, who led the national team from September 2018 to approximately 4 years and 4 months, is the longest-serving coach in South Korea's history. He led the team to a 16th-place finish in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but left the team without a contract after the tournament. Since then, he has been leading the UAE national team and has been on a break since March last year.
National team coaching position selection process
The Korea Football Association has begun the process of selecting a new coach, holding the first meeting of the National Team Power Enhancement Committee on the 3rd. The process is still in its early stages, and Bento's intentions have not been officially submitted to the committee.
Bento's national team coaching career
Bento led the national team from September 2018 to approximately 4 years and 4 months, making him the longest-serving coach in South Korea's history. He led the team to a 16th-place finish in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, but left the team without a contract after the tournament.
Current national team performance
The national team currently has 3 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses, with 3 points. In the last 5 games, they have 3 wins, 0 draws, and 2 losses, and have lost their last 2 games. In the league, they are in 3rd place, 6 points behind Mexico, and have a 6-point deficit in the title race. Their recent game result was a 0-1 loss to South Africa on June 25, 2026.
Conclusion
Bento wants to return as South Korea national team coach. The Korea Football Association has begun the process of selecting a new coach, holding the first meeting of the National Team Power Enhancement Committee on the 3rd. Bento's intentions have not been officially submitted to the committee.
