The South Korea national football team has appointed Robert Moreno as its interim head coach. The Korea Football Association (KFA) made the announcement on August 1, filling the vacancy left by Hong Myung-bo's resignation following the team's shock group-stage exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June.
The team, which finished third in its World Cup group with 3 points from one win and two losses (recent form LLW), scoring 2 goals and conceding 3, now turns to the Spanish tactician for a fresh start. Moreno's first match in charge will be a home friendly against Ecuador on September 24. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our fixtures page.
Why was Robert Moreno chosen?
Hyun Young-min, chairman of the KFA's Power Enhancement Committee, stated that Moreno was hired after an open recruitment process. "Coach Moreno already has a deep understanding of Korean football and impresses with enthusiasm, proposing various tactical alternatives," Hyun said. Moreno, 48, previously took temporary charge of the Spanish national team in 2019 and later had spells at Monaco and Granada. He becomes the first Spaniard to coach the South Korean national team.
What is his mandate and how will he be evaluated?
Moreno's initial contract runs until November 27. He will oversee South Korea's next six matches, including September friendlies against Ecuador and Uruguay, followed by October games versus Venezuela and Uzbekistan. The KFA is also seeking to arrange two additional fixtures during the November international window. "After a tough process, I hope the Moreno squad, appointed through a challenging process, will play a role in turning the national team's atmosphere and improving performance," added Hyun. Subject to an evaluation of his performance, Moreno could then lead the team at the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia from January 7 to February 5, 2027.
What controversies surround this appointment?
The hiring comes during a turbulent period for the national team setup. Last month, police raided the KFA headquarters as part of an investigation into Hong Myung-bo's 2024 appointment, and the association apologized for allegations it provided sexual entertainment for foreign referees. Moreno himself faced accusations from Russian media in January 2026 of using AI to prepare for games during his time at FC Sochi. He denied using ChatGPT or any AI to decide line-ups or choose players, stating that while he uses technology, he makes decisions himself with his staff.
What's next for South Korea?
Moreno's first official task is the pair of September friendlies. Success in the October and November windows will be key for him to pass the formal evaluation for the Asian Cup. The team's current squad details are available on our squad page. His interim appointment marks the KFA's first step in recovering from the World Cup group-stage exit, with all eyes now on the home friendly against Ecuador on September 24.
