South Korea faces Uruguay in FIFA international friendly, Sept. 28

South Korea will host Uruguay at Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 28, 2026, in an international friendly during the FIFA international break. Both teams are in transition after disappointing 2026 World Cup campaigns in which neither advanced beyond the group stage.

South Korea, managed by Roberto Moreno (appointed September 1), won 3–0 against Ecuador in his debut on September 25, with goals from Oh Hyeon-gyu, Son Heung-min, and Lee Dong-gyeong—all scored in the second half. Moreno, a Spanish coach, was hired on a six-match contract. The Korean Football Association also saw leadership changes: head coach Hong Myung-bo resigned immediately after the World Cup, and KFA president Chung Mong-gyu stepped down after 13 years in office on July 6. The team is preparing for the AFC Asian Cup in January 2027 in Saudi Arabia. South Korea drew 2–2 in their group with one win (2–1 vs. Czech Republic) and two losses (each 1–0 to Mexico and South Africa).

Uruguay, managed by Diego Forlan (promoted from the under-20 team on August 6 to replace Marcelo Bielsa), suffered a 3–1 defeat to Japan on September 25 despite a competitive performance through 90 minutes; two goals came in added time (90+2 and 90+4). The loss extended Uruguay's winless streak to eight matches, including their three World Cup games. In Qatar, Uruguay drew 1–1 with Saudi Arabia and 2–2 with Cape Verde, then lost 1–0 to Spain. Forlan, a legendary Uruguayan striker, won his only prior meeting with South Korea as a player—a 2–1 knockout victory in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals.

Historically, Uruguay holds a significant advantage: the sides have met ten times, with Uruguay recording seven wins, South Korea one, and two draws. In World Cup play, South Korea has never defeated Uruguay (losses in 1990 and 2010, plus a 0–0 draw in 2022 Qatar). Son Heung-min now has 57 international goals, one behind South Korea's all-time record holder Cha Bum-kun (58). South Korea has been strong at home recently, recording four consecutive matches without conceding a goal, three in Seoul. Uruguay will be without midfielder Fede Valverde (Real Madrid), who suffered an ankle injury in an El Clásico and is sidelined long-term.