After Hong Myung-bo resigned following South Korea’s failure to reach the 2026 World Cup Round of 32, Portuguese reporting says Paulo Bento returned to the UAE in July 2023 and is now unemployed again. Korean fans are pushing for Bento’s comeback after his 202
Guadalajara, Mexico — the scene wasn’t dramatic because of what was said, but because of how final it sounded.
On the 29th, Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national soccer team, said at the team’s base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, “I am trying to resign as the coach of the national soccer team.”
His decision came after South Korea failed to advance to the Round of 32 at the 2026 North American World Cup. The team finished with one win and two losses in a group described as the “easiest group in the history of the Korean World Cup. ” and it ended up tied with Mexico. the Czech Republic and South Africa.
The disappointment has hit harder because expectations were built around the “golden generation” players, including Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae. Even with those names in the lineup, the results didn’t break South Korea’s way.
Now attention is shifting toward the coach many fans believe could have steadied the ship earlier: Paulo Bento.
Bento took the helm at the 2022 Qatar World Cup and led South Korea to the Round of 16. Portuguese media reported that Bento returned to the UAE national team in July 2023, then became unemployed again after beating North Korea 2-1 in March last year.
That update has been seized on by Korean soccer supporters, who are openly voicing their desire for Bento’s return.
The momentum behind that request is personal as well as political in football terms. Teresa Bento. Bento’s wife. posted more than 4. 400 comments on social media six days ago. including “I miss Ben Verge. ” “I want to see Ben Verge’s build-up soccer. not a strange three-back. ” “Coach. please come back to Korea. ” and “Like it” — which has been approaching 80. 000.
Paulo Bento Hong Myung-bo South Korea 2026 World Cup Guadalajara Qatar 2022 UAE national team Son Heung-min Lee Kang-in Kim Min-jae