South Korea have appointed former Spain coach Robert Moreno as interim manager as the national team begins another rebuilding process following a disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.
The 48-year-old has been handed responsibility until November 27 and will oversee six matches while the Korea Football Association searches for a permanent manager.
Moreno replaces Hong Myung-bo, who stepped down in June following South Korea’s group-stage exit from the World Cup.
His appointment is already attracting attention because the KFA used an open recruitment process for the first time when selecting the new coach. Officials described Moreno as tactically knowledgeable and enthusiastic about developing the team.
His immediate schedule will be demanding. South Korea are due to face Ecuador and Uruguay during the September international window before playing Venezuela and Uzbekistan in October. Two additional November fixtures are also being arranged.
Moreno has previous experience at international and club level. He managed Spain in 2019 during Luis Enrique’s absence and later worked with Monaco, Granada and FC Sochi.
The biggest question is whether Moreno can turn his temporary appointment into a permanent job.
The KFA has indicated that his future could depend on results and performances during the interim period, with the possibility of Moreno remaining in charge for the Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia next January.
For South Korea, the next six matches will therefore be about more than friendly results. They could determine the direction of the national team for the next major cycle.