Hervé Renard, the experienced French football manager, is reportedly a leading contender to take the helm of the South Korean national football team. Following the departure of former coach Hong Myung-bo after the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the South Korean Football Association is actively seeking a new permanent manager, and Renard has emerged as a strong candidate.
Renard’s Impressive Coaching Pedigree
Renard, 58, has garnered significant attention from various national teams, with South Korea being one of the prominent interested parties. French publication Foot Mercato reported that Renard continues to attract considerable interest, even after a recent interim role with the Moroccan national team during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. While he took over the Moroccan squad mid-tournament, replacing head coach Vahid Halilhodžić, his tenure was brief. Morocco was eliminated in the group stage after losses to Japan and the Netherlands, marking the end of Renard’s short stint.
Despite the team’s performance under his brief guidance, Renard’s reputation remains high, particularly due to his extensive experience and success in African football. He led Zambia to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and guided Ivory Coast to the same title in 2015. His coaching career also includes spells with Saudi Arabia, where he achieved a notable upset by defeating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 during the 2022 World Cup. Although he was reappointed by Saudi Arabia in October 2024, he was dismissed just two months before the World Cup due to unsatisfactory results.
Interest from Multiple Nations
The interest in Renard is not limited to South Korea. The report highlights that he is also a highly sought-after coach across Africa and in Asia. In South Africa, he is reportedly among the top candidates to succeed Hugo Broos as the national team coach. Senegal has also consistently been mentioned as a potential destination. Furthermore, if Vladimir Petković’s position with the Algerian national team becomes untenable, Renard is considered the primary choice to take over.
Renard’s deep understanding of African football stems from his previous coaching roles with Zambia, Ivory Coast, and Morocco. His success in leading Zambia and Ivory Coast to continental championships, along with his experience with Morocco in the 2018 African Nations Championship, solidifies his credentials in managing national teams on the continent.
South Korea’s Coaching Search
The South Korean Football Association is in the process of identifying a successor to Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down after the team’s elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Several candidates are reportedly being considered, with former national team coach Paulo Bento and former Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors coach Kims Yeo-hoo publicly expressing interest. Renard’s name has also surfaced as a strong contender in this pool.
It’s worth noting that Renard was previously linked with the South Korean national team. In 2024, after the departure of coach Jurgen Klinsmann, Renard, along with other prominent figures like Kims Yeo-hoo, Jesper Blomqvist, and David Wagner, were reportedly on the South Korean Football Association’s radar. However, the association ultimately appointed Hong Myung-bo at that time, not Renard.
Renard’s Past with Asian Football
Renard’s experience extends to managing the Saudi Arabian national team, where he led them to a historic 2-1 victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup group stage. This remarkable achievement showcased his ability to prepare a team for major tournaments and achieve unexpected results against top opposition. His subsequent dismissal from the Saudi role, despite a prior reappointment, underscores the high expectations and pressure associated with international coaching positions.
Interim Measures and Future Outlook
In the interim, the South Korean Football Association has decided to operate with an interim coaching system until the November international match window. The association plans to conduct a public recruitment process for the head coach and coaching staff, with further details regarding the schedule and conditions to be announced in a separate official statement. The decision on Renard’s future is expected to be made within the coming days or weeks, given the numerous national teams actively seeking new leadership.
Renard’s potential appointment would mark his return to Asian football management, bringing a wealth of international experience and a proven track record of success in continental competitions. His ability to galvanize teams and achieve notable results makes him an attractive prospect for the South Korean national team as they look to rebuild and prepare for future challenges.
