According to foreign media outlet Asia Football Network, the Korean Football Association (KFA) has officially entered the final stage in its search for an interim head coach for the South Korean national team. A special negotiating delegation, comprising National Team Committee Chairman Hyun Young-min, Technical Director Kim Jong-yoon (phonetic) and a dedicated contract lawyer, has traveled abroad to conduct direct contract negotiations with priority candidates.

Following Hong Myung-bo's departure after the 2026 World Cup group stage (1 win, 2 losses), the KFA immediately initiated an open recruitment process in accordance with regulations from the Korean Sports Council. After reviewing documents and conducting online interviews held from August 19 to 21, the evaluation committee established a strict priority ranking among the final candidates.

The delegation is currently in Europe conducting direct negotiations with the top candidate. Although the KFA maintains strict confidentiality about the specific ranking, interviewed candidates include former Spain national team head coach R. Moreno, Pep Guardiola's long-time assistant Domenec Torrent, former Iraq national team head coach Jesús Casas, and Erwin Koeman, along with other renowned coaches. If an agreement cannot be reached on terms with the top target, negotiations will immediately move to the second candidate.

According to officials, the new interim head coach will be responsible for six international friendlies from September to November – beginning with matches against Ecuador on September 24 and Uruguay on September 28, followed by matches against Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October.

However, sources indicate this interim period may extend well beyond November. Due to the KFA presidency currently being vacant and the timing of administrative elections remaining undetermined, appointing a permanent head coach before year-end faces significant institutional obstacles. Consequently, the incoming coach may lead the Taeguk Warriors at the AFC Asian Cup hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Signing a complete coaching staff of 5 to 7 coaches requires meticulous negotiations, making it impossible to finalize the appointment in August. However, if negotiations with the top candidate conclude quickly, the KFA plans to complete the National Team Committee's report and the Board of Directors' approval process, announcing the new interim head coach within the first week of September.

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