SEOUL — Paulo Bento, the former head coach of the South Korean national football team who famously guided the "Taeguk Warriors" to the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, has reportedly expressed his desire to return to the vacant managerial post. 

The vacancy arose following the resignation of Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down after South Korea's disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team, which failed to advance to the Round of 32, faced intense public scrutiny and administrative turmoil upon its return, leading to Hong’s decision to take full responsibility for the campaign's failure. 

Interest Communicated Through Channels

According to officials from the Korea Football Association (KFA) on July 7, 2026, Bento recently conveyed his interest in the position through a KFA associate with whom he maintains a personal relationship.

While the KFA's National Team Strengthening Committee has officially begun its search for a new head coach as of July 3, the process is still in its preliminary stages. Consequently, no formal application has been submitted by the Portuguese coach, nor has his interest been officially discussed as a formal agenda item by the committee. Despite this, the development has sparked significant attention, as Bento remains the longest-serving manager in the history of the South Korean national team, having led the side for four years and four months from September 2018 to December 2022. 

A Potential Interim Role

Industry insiders have suggested that Bento’s interest may extend beyond a permanent appointment. With international matches scheduled for September and the upcoming 2027 AFC Asian Cup, the KFA is reportedly considering the possibility of appointing an interim manager to handle the immediate transition. Sources close to the situation indicate that Bento would be open to such an arrangement, providing a sense of stability for a team currently reeling from recent setbacks. 

Context of the Current Crisis

The atmosphere surrounding the national team has been volatile. Following the 2026 World Cup, where South Korea finished 34th overall—their worst-ever ranking—the team returned to a hostile environment. Reports surfaced regarding death threats directed at former coach Hong Myung-bo, who subsequently departed for the United States for safety reasons. 

Amid this climate, fans have been vocal in their nostalgia for the "Bento era." On social media, supporters have flooded the Instagram account of Bento’s wife with messages urging him to return, affectionately calling him "Ben-beoji"—a portmanteau of "Bento" and "abeoji" (father). 

Career Path Since 2022

After leaving the South Korean national team following the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Bento took charge of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team in July 2023. He remained in that position until May 2025 and has been on a hiatus since his departure. 

As the KFA moves to restore public trust, the potential return of a familiar face like Bento offers a path toward the disciplined, possession-based "build-up" style of football that defined his previous successful tenure. Whether the KFA will move to formally engage the former manager remains a key question in the coming weeks as the search for a new leader intensifies.

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