Following the national football team's early exit from the World Cup with the worst performance in Korean football history, former head coach Paulo Bento has advised that the system needs to be re-evaluated and rebuilt from the ground up.

In an interview with a media outlet after Korea's elimination, former coach Bento said, "It is difficult to accept such a result, but upsets where teams considered weaker defeat stronger teams happen often in football." He added, "This time, Korea was simply on the receiving end of such an upset, and the key is whether they can move forward from this failure."

Former coach Bento cited "the firm trust that existed between the coaching staff and the players even in difficult situations" as one of the driving forces behind the team reaching the Round of 16 four years ago under his leadership.

"We had to go through numerous crises and difficult moments back then as well, but because we had trust in each other, we were able to demonstrate our potential even in the dire situation ahead of the final group stage match against Portugal," he recalled.

He also pointed out that there was a lack of absolute time and time for trust to build up this time around.

Former coach Bento noted, "I was able to lead one team completely for a little over four years, but since I left, Korea has gone through as many as four head coaches in four years, including interim managers." He emphasized, "This is a point I hope the Korea Football Association will reflect on as they consider their future path."

Finally, former coach Bento offered sincere advice, saying, "I know that many changes will follow internally, such as within the association's board of directors and leadership." He added, "But in my opinion, this is the most important core: to lead Korean football in a better direction, all members must calmly analyze and contemplate their own roles and responsibilities in their respective positions."

After taking the helm of the Korean team in September 2018, former coach Bento implemented his own style of "build-up football" over four years and led Korea to the World Cup Round of 16 in 2022 for the first time in 12 years.

On the other hand, the national football team led by head coach Hong Myung-bo recorded one win and two losses in the group stage of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, failing to advance to the Round of 32 tournament.

Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Kim Na-on | Graphics by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News