Son Heung-min chases all-time goal record as South Korea face Uruguay

South Korea face Uruguay on September 28 in a friendly at Seoul World Cup Stadium, with captain Son Heung-min needing one goal to tie South Korea's all-time A-match scoring record. Lee Kang-in makes his debut under interim coach Robert Moreno, with South Korea seeking a second consecutive win after defeating Ecuador 3-0.

Quick Facts

South Korea vs Uruguay friendly match
Son Heung-min chasing all-time goal record
Lee Kang-in debut under Moreno
South Korea beat Ecuador 3-0
Uruguay lost to Japan 3-1

South Korea will face Uruguay in a friendly match on September 28 at Seoul World Cup Stadium, with captain Son Heung-min one goal away from breaking the all-time men's A-match scoring record for Korean football. Son has scored 57 goals in 148 appearances, needing just one more to tie legendary Cha Bum-kun's record of 58 goals. Son scored in South Korea's 3-0 victory over Ecuador on September 24, interim coach Robert Moreno's debut.

Lee Kang-in will make his first appearance under Moreno after being rested during the Ecuador match for recovery. The Atlético Madrid winger will start on the right flank in a 4-4-2 formation, alongside Son Heung-min and Oh Hyun-gyu leading the attack. The midfield includes Lee Jae-sung and Kim Bong-soo, while Kim Min-jae anchors the defense alongside Lee Han-beom, Lee Tae-seok, and Seol Young-woo. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu completes the lineup.

Uruguay, ranked 20th in FIFA rankings compared to South Korea's 32nd, arrives as a stronger opponent but carry momentum concerns. The South American team lost 3-1 to Japan on September 24, though the match remained 1-1 until late stages. Interim coach Diego Forlán leads Uruguay without key players Federico Valverde and Sergio Rochet due to injury. Darwin Núñez will lead Uruguay's attack, supported by midfielders Rodrigo Bentancur, Lucas Torreira, Maximiliano Araújo, and Brian Rodríguez.

Moreno emphasized the importance of executing the team's tactical approach at his pre-match press conference. He stated, "As the opponent is strong, we must show our best," while noting that Uruguay "will show a stronger willingness to win to prove their skills" after their loss to Japan. South Korea has not defeated Uruguay since October 2018, holding a 1-7-2 record in their head-to-head history.

Lee Kang-in stressed team unity at his press conference on September 27, saying, "All players worked hard for the team" and praising the squad's cohesion under Moreno's emphasis on collective play. The midfielder, who can communicate with Moreno in Spanish, expressed confidence in his physical condition after resting against Ecuador. South Korea aims to extend its winning streak with a second consecutive victory while building momentum under the new interim manager.

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#South Korea football #Son Heung-min #friendly match #all-time record #Lee Kang-in #Seoul World Cup Stadium #Uruguay football #Robert Moreno

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Why This Matters

South Korea's friendly against Uruguay on September 28 marks interim coach Robert Moreno's first competitive match and an opportunity to extend their winning streak. Son Heung-min's pursuit of the all-time A-match goal record adds a measurable individual milestone that reflects squad depth and tactical continuity under new management. Uruguay, ranked 20th FIFA vs South Korea's 32nd, enters without key defenders but seeking to recover momentum after a 3-1 loss to Japan. The match outcome will inform South Korea's preparation for broader international fixtures scheduled against Venezuela and Uzbekistan.

Timeline & Sources

Sep 24, 2026

Wire

Robert Moreno's debut: South Korea defeats Ecuador 3-0 at Suwon World Cup Stadium

Sep 24, 2026

Wire

Uruguay loses to Japan 3-1 in friendly match

Oct 2, 2026

Wire

South Korea scheduled to play Venezuela

Oct 6, 2026

Wire

South Korea scheduled to play Uzbekistan

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