The South Korea national football team has appointed Roberto Moreno as its interim head coach, filling the vacancy left by Hong Myung-bo's resignation after the team's group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Korea Football Association approved Moreno's nomination during a board meeting on Tuesday, and his first match in charge will be a friendly against Ecuador at Suwon World Cup Stadium on September 24.
Moreno stated on his official website that it was "an honor, and it is a responsibility," adding, "I will not promise results: I promise work, honesty and respect. Whatever we have to say, we will say it on the pitch." His contract is for three months and covers six international matches through November, with an option to extend through next year's Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia depending on performance.
Who is the new coach?
Roberto Moreno is a Spanish manager who previously served as an assistant coach at FC Barcelona and with the Spanish national team under Luis Enrique, later having a brief stint as Spain's caretaker manager. He becomes the first Spanish coach to lead South Korea's men's national team. His appointment follows the departure of Hong Myung-bo after the World Cup disappointment. South Korea currently sits 3rd in its World Cup qualifying group with 3 points from 3 games (1 win, 2 losses).
What is the upcoming schedule?
Coach Moreno will lead the team against Ecuador, followed by friendlies against Uruguay on September 28, Venezuela on October 2, and Uzbekistan on October 6. Two more matches are scheduled for November. The team's recent form shows 3 wins and 2 losses in its last five outings (LLWWW), but it has lost its last two matches, including a 1-0 defeat to South Africa on June 25. The full schedule can be viewed on our fixtures page.
What team is Uruguay preparing?
South Korea's September 28 opponent, Uruguay, is also building under new leadership. New head coach Diego Forlan has named a 46-man provisional squad for matches against Japan (September 24), South Korea (September 28), and India (October 6). The star-studded list includes players like Real Madrid's Federico Valverde, Liverpool's Ronald Araujo, and Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur, presenting a formidable challenge for Korea.
Meanwhile, the South Korea national football team has scored 2 goals and conceded 3 (-1 goal difference) in its recent matches and trails group leaders Mexico by 6 points. Moreno's immediate task will be to halt the team's losing streak and rebuild its competitive edge. His introductory press conference in Korea will be held after he obtains his visa.
