The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has postponed the 2027 Asian Cup, moving the tournament's start from January to December, which has shifted the dynamics surrounding the appointment of South Korea's national soccer team coach. Roberto Moreno, the interim coach whose contract ends this month, is now unlikely to lead the team through the Asian Cup, casting uncertainty over what was expected to be captain Son Heung-min's (LAFC) final tournament.
On November 3, the AFC announced on its official website that the tournament, originally scheduled for January 7 to February 5, 2027, will now take place from December 23, 2027, to January 21, 2028. This change represents a delay of over 11 months. The revised schedule is pending final approval from FIFA.
The decision to alter the tournament's timeline stems from the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East. Host nation Saudi Arabia has faced attacks from Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, resulting in damage to airports and energy facilities and escalating military tensions. Just a week prior, the AFC had expressed its intention to proceed with the tournament as planned.
The AFC explained, "Given the significant logistical complexities and travel disruptions arising from the current situation in the Middle East, the schedule change was approved. Organizing and operating the tournament as originally planned would have posed exceptional difficulties, making the postponement unavoidable for the benefit of all stakeholders, including participating teams, officials, and spectators."
The delay of the Asian Cup has also disrupted the Korea Football Association's plans to appoint a new coach by January. Moreno, who took over as interim coach in September, was contracted until November 27 and tasked with overseeing six international matches (four in September and October, and two in November). His continuation through the Asian Cup was contingent on his performance.
The association opted for this approach due to the tight timeline leading up to the January tournament and the vacancy in the association's presidency. Following the resignation of former president Chung Mong-kyu in July, Lee Yong-soo has been serving as acting president, delaying significant decisions like the appointment of a permanent coach. The next presidential election is scheduled for December.
However, the tournament's postponement may not be entirely detrimental for the national team. With the schedule now pushed to late 2027, there is no longer a rush to make decisions. Some believe it would be better for the new leadership, which will emerge from the December election, to handle the coach selection process.
A soccer official stated in a phone interview on November 3, "The unexpected postponement of the Asian Cup has effectively given South Korean soccer more time to rebuild. It may be the best choice to follow the proper procedures under the new leadership and appoint a new coach. With some time now available, it would also be beneficial to consider a public recruitment process for the head coach position, similar to the last time."
For Moreno, the upcoming two international matches this month could be his last with the national team. He has recorded two wins, one draw, and one loss in four matches so far, defeating Ecuador (3-0) and Uzbekistan (2-0), while losing to Uruguay (1-4) and drawing with Venezuela (0-0). If he can demonstrate solid performance and results in the remaining matches against Saudi Arabia and Qatar, there may still be a chance for contract extension.
However, the official cautioned, "Excluding Moreno from consideration for the permanent coaching position could be problematic. He is entitled to an evaluation based on his contract terms. If the new leadership disregards Moreno and begins the process of selecting a new coach, it would repeat the missteps of the previous administration."
Son Heung-min's final Asian Cup challenge has also been pushed back nearly a year. Under the original schedule, the 1992-born player would have competed at age 35. With the new timeline, he will now need to perform at age 36.
The Asian Cup remains a stage where Son has yet to achieve success. He first participated in the tournament during the 2011 event in Qatar. In the 2015 tournament in Australia, he reached the finals but finished as a runner-up. In the 2019 tournament in the United Arab Emirates, he was eliminated in the quarterfinals, and in the 2023 tournament in Qatar, he reached the semifinals.
For Son, maintaining his performance and fitness with his club in the time leading up to the tournament will be crucial. His participation and role may depend on the new coach's plans for the team.
The atmosphere within the national team also presents variables. Last month, there were rumors of conflicts regarding Son's leadership with teammates born in 1996, including Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Hwang In-beom (Porto), and Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke 04). This led to speculation about the retirement of the three players from the national team. Hwang In-beom denied the retirement rumors, and the Korea Football Association stated that the claims were unfounded. Kim Min-jae and Hwang Hee-chan did not issue separate statements.
Moreno has included all four players in the November roster, maintaining Son as captain. However, a change in coaching staff could lead to a reevaluation of the leadership structure.
Moreno's team will play two matches in Doha, Qatar, on November 13 and 17.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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