스보노바, SBONOVA readers looking for the latest South Korea national football team update should focus on a squad already changing after the 2026 World Cup. South Korea opened its September–October home friendly series with a 3-0 win over Ecuador on September 24, then lost 4-1 to Uruguay on September 28. The next tests are Venezuela in Ulsan on October 2 and Uzbekistan in Yongin on October 6, both at 8 p.m. KST. Interim head coach Robert Moreno named a 30-player squad on September 14, but forward Cho Guesung left camp on September 27 to focus on recovery, leaving 29 players for the remaining matches. KFA
스보노바, SBONOVA Latest South Korea National Football Team Update
This international window starts a new post-World Cup phase for the senior men’s team. Moreno was appointed on September 1, 2026 and was given six matches through November before the federation evaluates whether to extend his tenure. His first squad mixed established internationals with newer options, including first-time call-ups Kim Minsu, Park Taejun and Kim Geonhui. KFA
Moreno said the selection process began with data on roughly 1,700 Korean players, before the pool was narrowed according to playing model, individual profiles and characteristics considered suitable for the national team. That makes this window more than a simple set of friendlies: it is an early test of how his selection ideas translate onto the pitch. KFA
The contrast between the Ecuador and Uruguay matches has already provided useful information. Korea showed efficient second-half finishing in Suwon, but Uruguay punished defensive gaps and transition moments in Seoul. KFA
스보노바, SBONOVA Latest South Korea Squad for September and October 2026
The original 30-player squad covered four goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 11 midfielders and five forwards. Cho Guesung was later released because recovery was considered more important than the remaining fixtures, and no replacement was called up. The current group therefore contains 29 players. KFA
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeonwoo, Kim Seunggyu, Song Bumkeun, Gu Sungyun.
Defenders: Seol Youngwoo, Choi Jun, Kim Taehyun, Lee Hanbeom, Cho Wije, Kim Geonhui, Kim Minjae, Kim Taehyeon, Cho Hyuntaek, Lee Taeseok.
Midfielders: Park Jinseop, Kim Bongsu, Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung, Park Taejun, Paik Seungho, Lee Kangin, Jeong Seungwon, Kim Minsu, Song Minkyu, Hwang Heechan.
Forwards: Son Heungmin, Lee Donggyeong, Oh Hyeongyu, Oh Sehun. KFA
Son remains the captain and senior attacking reference, while Lee Kangin and Hwang Inbeom are important to progression and chance creation. The official September roster lists Son with LAFC, Lee Kangin with Atlético Madrid, Hwang Inbeom with FC Porto and Kim Minjae with Bayern Munich. Kim Minsu was selected from Rangers, Park Taejun from Gimcheon Sangmu and Kim Geonhui from Incheon United, underlining the mix of overseas and domestic-based options. KFA
스보노바, SBONOVA South Korea Match Results and October 2026 Fixtures
South Korea’s four-match home series is spread across four cities, with the remaining two fixtures scheduled for early October.
| Date | Match | Venue | Status |
| September 24, 2026 | South Korea 3-0 Ecuador | Suwon World Cup Stadium | Final KFA |
| September 28, 2026 | South Korea 1-4 Uruguay | Seoul World Cup Stadium | Final Yonhap News |
| October 2, 2026 | South Korea vs Venezuela | Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium | 8 p.m. KST KFA |
| October 6, 2026 | South Korea vs Uzbekistan | Yongin Mireu Stadium | 8 p.m. KST KFA |
Against Ecuador, all three Korean goals came in the second half through Oh Hyeongyu, Son Heungmin and Lee Donggyeong. Four days later, Uruguay scored three times before half-time and added a fourth after the break. Son pulled one back in the 80th minute from a Lee Kangin delivery, but the match finished 4-1. KFA
The remaining fixtures offer an immediate test of Korea’s response. Venezuela presents another South American opponent, while Uzbekistan is a familiar Asian side whose organization can test Korea’s buildup and pressing. All four matches in the September–October series were scheduled for 8 p.m. local time in Korea. KFA
스보노바, SBONOVA What the Ecuador and Uruguay Matches Revealed
The 3-0 result against Ecuador showed the value of patience. Korea did not need to force the game early; the breakthrough came after half-time, and three different attackers scored. Oh Hyeongyu’s goal was especially relevant because the team is still evaluating its center-forward options. KFA
The Uruguay match exposed a different problem. Korea tried to control possession early, but Uruguay repeatedly found space behind the defensive line and attacked quickly. By half-time Korea trailed 3-0, including a Kim Minjae own goal, before Darwin Núñez added another after the interval. Yonhap News
The two games tested different parts of the team. Korea looked more comfortable when it could settle into possession, but the Uruguay defeat showed how costly spacing errors can become against fast transitions. Korea also made several second-half changes, giving the coaching staff more information about alternatives in defense and midfield.
Venezuela and Uzbekistan now provide opportunities to make adjustments without waiting for another international window. For Korean fans, these games are worth tracking beyond the scorelines.
스보노바, SBONOVA Players to Watch in the Current Korea Squad
Son Heungmin
Son remains Korea’s main attacking reference. His goal against Uruguay was officially recognized as his 58th senior international goal, drawing him level with Cha Bum-kun for the most goals in South Korea men’s national-team history. Yonhap News
Beyond the record, Son’s movement between the left side and central areas gives Korea a way to attack space when possession is limited. The decision over whether to use him wide or centrally will also affect how the other forwards are deployed.
Lee Kangin
Lee was rested for the Ecuador match before returning against Uruguay, where his cross led to Son’s late goal. His ability to receive between the lines, carry the ball under pressure and deliver from the half-space can shape how Korea creates chances against Venezuela and Uzbekistan. 네이트 스포츠
Oh Hyeongyu
Oh scored the opening goal against Ecuador and becomes even more relevant in a forward group reduced by Cho Guesung’s departure. He gives Korea a natural central target and a player who can occupy defenders inside the penalty area. KFA
Kim Minjae
Kim remains central to how high Korea can defend and how confidently the side can build from the back. The Uruguay match was difficult for the defensive unit as a whole, making the spacing around the centre-backs an important point to watch during the remaining October fixtures.
Kim Minsu and Park Taejun
The current window is also about succession. Kim Minsu and Park Taejun arrived as first-time senior call-ups, while KFA coverage confirms Kim Minsu has already made his A-match debut during this camp. Their involvement provides an early indication of how quickly newer players may become regular senior options. KFA
For more match-analysis context, see SBONOVA Football Betting Guide 2026.
스보노바, SBONOVA Key Tactical Questions Before the Next Matches
Three issues stand out before the October fixtures.
- Who leads the line? With Cho Guesung out, Oh Hyeongyu and Oh Sehun become more important as natural center-forward options. Son can also operate centrally, but doing so changes how Korea uses the left side.
- How is midfield balance managed? Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung, Lee Kangin and the deeper midfielders provide different combinations of buildup, pressing and final-third creativity. Korea needs enough control in possession without leaving the centre exposed when the ball is lost.
- Can the defensive line protect transition space? Uruguay’s early goals showed how quickly open space can be punished. Better counter-pressing and clearer protection around the centre-backs will be important against both remaining opponents. Yonhap News
Rotation should matter too. Four matches in less than two weeks give Moreno a reason to test partnerships instead of relying on the same lineup every time.
스보노바, SBONOVA What Korea Fans Should Watch Next
The October 2 match in Ulsan should show Korea’s immediate response after the Uruguay defeat. Watch the spacing between midfield and defense, the full-backs’ positioning and how quickly Korea can move the ball toward Lee Kangin or the front line.
The October 6 match against Uzbekistan may reveal more about squad depth. With recovery and rotation becoming factors, recent call-ups could receive meaningful minutes. KFA
Rather than judging the entire international window from one result, the more useful questions are whether Korea’s roles become clearer, whether new combinations improve defensive stability and whether the coaching staff identifies alternatives around the established core.
스보노바, SBONOVA South Korea National Football Team FAQ
Who is the current South Korea national football team coach?
Robert Moreno is serving as interim head coach. He was appointed on September 1, 2026, and the federation said his work would be evaluated after six matches through November. KFA
How many players are currently in the South Korea squad?
The September 14 roster originally contained 30 players. Cho Guesung left camp on September 27 to focus on recovery, and no replacement was named, reducing the active group to 29 players. KFA
What was South Korea’s latest match result?
South Korea lost 4-1 to Uruguay at Seoul World Cup Stadium on September 28, 2026. Son Heungmin scored Korea’s goal in the 80th minute. Yonhap News
When is South Korea’s next football match?
South Korea is scheduled to face Venezuela on October 2, 2026, at Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. KST. KFA
Which South Korea players should fans watch in October 2026?
Son Heungmin, Lee Kangin, Oh Hyeongyu and Kim Minjae remain major figures, while newer call-ups such as Kim Minsu and Park Taejun are also worth tracking as the coaching staff evaluates its options.
