Robert Moreno hired as interim head coach as South Korea aims for calm after a turbulent summer

Seoul, South Korea (AP) — The Korea Football Association has appointed former Spain coach Robert Moreno as the interim head coach of the South Korean men's national team. The decision follows a tumultuous summer for the team, which ended with Hong Myung-bo resigning in June after their exit from the 2026 World Cup group stage.

Moreno, who previously managed AS Monaco, Granada, and Russian club Sochi, has been given charge over six matches during the September and November international windows. The KFA anticipates Moreno and his new staff will help improve the national team's performance. Hyun Young-min, the KFA National Teams Committee chief, praised Moreno for his understanding of Korean football and his ability to propose diverse tactical options.

The head coach position remained unfilled since Hong Myung-bo's departure. The appointment of Moreno comes as public dissatisfaction over Hong's handling of the team during the summer intensified, ultimately leading to both Hong's and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu's resignation. Both individuals faced questioning at a parliamentary hearing in July. Moreno's inaugural match will be against Ecuador on September 24 in Suwon, a city located south of Seoul.