Paulo Bento, former head coach of the South Korean national soccer team. [Yonhap]
Paulo Bento, former head coach of the South Korean national soccer team. [Yonhap]

Paulo Bento, former head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, said South Korea's early exit from the 2026 North America World Cup under coach Hong Myung-bo "is not the kind of situation that can normally be blamed on one or two people," calling for a fundamental overhaul of Korean soccer.

In an interview with Yonhap News Agency published Wednesday, Bento said it was important to "go back to square one, clearly acknowledge each person's responsibilities, and rebuild by reviewing everything from start to finish."

Under Hong, South Korea finished the group stage with one win and two losses, placing 34th among 48 participating nations and failing to advance to the round of 32. The team raised hopes with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match, but fell 0-1 to host nation Mexico and then suffered another 0-1 defeat against South Africa in a lackluster performance, ending their tournament run early.

"After the first win, expectations must have naturally grown," Bento said, adding that he was "very impressed" by South Korea's second-half performance in that opening match. "It is a result that is hard to accept, but in soccer, upsets happen — weaker sides beat stronger ones. What matters is how you move forward from this failure," he said.

Bento took charge of the South Korean national team in 2018 and led the side for roughly four years and four months, instilling what became known as a build-up style of play. Under his guidance, South Korea reached the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup — the team's first such achievement in 12 years.

Bento identified "trust" between the players and the coaching staff as the single biggest factor behind that run to the round of 16.

"The most important thing I focused on after joining the team was establishing a distinct tactical identity and making the players believe in that process," he said. "There were many difficult moments, but because we trusted each other, we were able to show our true strength even when our backs were against the wall before the final group-stage match against Portugal."

He went on to say that while he had been able to lead one team without interruption for just over four years, South Korea cycled through four head coaches — including caretakers — in the four years after he left. He said Korean soccer needed "consistency."

"A coach needs sufficient time to build trust with players and establish a firm style of play," Bento said. "I hope the Korea Football Association reflects on that as it considers its next steps."

'Son is the finest professional I've coached — he will prove himself again'

Meanwhile, Bento also had words of encouragement for the players.

"It must be an incredibly difficult time right now, but I have no doubt the players will overcome this hardship and bring joy to the fans again," he said. "I know very well the mindset with which the players I coached give everything for the national team."

Particularly for captain Son Heung-min, who bore the weight of the team's struggles, Bento offered a defense: "When a team is not performing well, it is very difficult for just one or two players to solve all the problems."

"Sonny (Son's nickname) is the most outstanding player I have ever coached, and the one with the finest professional attitude," Bento said. "I know better than anyone what this country means to him and what it means for him to wear the national team jersey."

He went on to say that he was firmly convinced Son "will continue to give his all to the national team and has more than enough ability to overcome this pain and prove his worth once again."

Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung and some other players returned home to the comfort and encouragement of fans after completing their 2026 North America World Cup campaign. Son was joined by Lee Dong-gyeong of Ulsan and other teammates upon arrival.


betterj@heraldcorp.com