A controversial figure in the world of football will be back on the spotlight this year, as former USMNT coach Jürgen Klinsmann has agreed a new deal to lead the South Korean National Team's efforts to qualify to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 1990 FIFA World Cup champion with Germany will put an end to a three-year wait to return to the dugouts, following his controversial exit from Hertha Berlin back in 2020. Back then, Klinsmann resigned via Facebook and sparked outrage within the club.
The former striker will have his first match at the helm of the Taeguk Warriors on March 24, when the Asian side has scheduled a warmup match against Colombia. This will be the third national team gig for Klinsmann, following his spells with Germany and the USMNT.
In his first words as new national team coach, Klinsmann remembered some of his predecessors and committed to take the team to the next level.
"I am happy and honored to be named coach for the Korean football team. I am aware that the South Korean side has been developing consistently for quite a while. I feel honored to follow the path set by great coaches such as Guus Hiddink or former boss Paulo Bento. I will do everything in my power to accomplish successful results in the upcoming Asian Cup and in the 2026 World Cup," Klinsmann stated.
The contract between the German coach and the Korean Football Association will last until the end of the 2026 World Cup. Terms of the agreement such as wages and other issues were not disclosed as part of the deal between both parties.
The South Korean side will pick up where Paulo Bento left off. During the 2022 World Cup, the Taeguk Warriors made it to the Round of 16 for the first time since 2010, but they would be eliminated by Brazil with an emphatic 4-1 score.
