Roberto Moreno becomes first Spanish coach to lead South Korea’s national team

Roberto Moreno will take charge of South Korea for six international matches, becoming the first Spanish coach to lead the country’s national football team.

The Korea Football Association’s board approved Moreno and five other members of his coaching staff on September 1. All five assistants are also Spanish, and the appointment marks the first time the association has selected a national-team coach through an open recruitment process.

Moreno’s initial contract runs until November 27. The association can extend it through the 2027 Asian Cup, which opens in Saudi Arabia on January 7, depending on the results of the team’s friendly matches. His first game will be against Ecuador in Suwon on September 24.

The appointment followed the resignation of Hong Myung-bo after South Korea exited the group stage of the 2026 World Cup in North America. The association had sought an interim coach for six international matches scheduled from September through November.

Moreno, 49, is best known for his long association with Luis Enrique, the Spanish coach now in charge of Paris Saint-Germain. He assisted Enrique at Celta Vigo, Barcelona and the Spanish national team. Moreno also served as Spain’s interim coach and later took the permanent job in 2019 while Enrique was away because of his daughter’s health problems.

After Enrique returned, Moreno pursued a solo managerial career with Monaco, Granada and Sochi.