Korea Republic Appoint Robert Moreno as Interim Coach
South Korea names former Spain manager Robert Moreno as interim men's national team coach, with his role to be evaluated before the 2027 Asian Cup.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) has appointed Robert Moreno as the interim head coach of the men's national team. The 48-year-old Spaniard will lead the team through upcoming friendlies, with his future role for the AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ contingent on a performance review.
Moreno's hiring follows an open recruitment process by the KFA. He becomes the first Spanish head coach for the Taeguk Warriors. The national side has been without a permanent manager since Hong Myung-bo resigned in June after a surprising group-stage exit from the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Upcoming Fixtures and Evaluation
Robert Moreno's immediate task is to prepare the team for a series of home friendly matches. The KFA stated his performance in these games will be evaluated, determining if he leads the team at the 2027 Asian Cup.
His first matches in charge will be against Ecuador and Uruguay during the September international window. He will then coach the team against Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October. The KFA also noted Moreno would be in charge if more friendlies are organized for the November window.
Moreno's Coaching Background
Moreno brings experience from the international stage. He initially took over the Spanish national team on a temporary basis in 2019, succeeding Luis Enrique. His interim role was made permanent that June following Enrique's departure.
His appointment marks a new direction for Korean football. The KFA's statement emphasized the interim nature of the role, linking it directly to the team's preparation for the continental tournament in Saudi Arabia.
Road to AFC Asian Cup 2027
The AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ runs from January 7 to February 5. The KFA's announcement positions Moreno's interim period as a critical audition for the top job during that tournament. The association's phrasing, "subject to an evaluation," leaves the long-term appointment open.
This period of friendlies serves as the primary platform for that assessment. The team's performances against Ecuador, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Uzbekistan will be closely scrutinized. The KFA has not detailed the specific criteria for the evaluation.
With the coaching vacancy now filled on a provisional basis, the focus shifts to on-field results. Moreno's first training camp will begin in September ahead of the match against Ecuador.
