The Korean national soccer team is set to dispel rumors of discord among players and prove their unity in their final test of the year.
Under interim coach Roberto Moreno, the team will face Saudi Arabia in their first November friendly match on November 13 at 11:30 PM local time at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Al Rayyan, Qatar. They will then take on Qatar on November 17 at 11 PM at the Abdullah Bin Khalifa Stadium in Doha. This two-match series in the Middle East marks the team's last official engagements for 2026.
The original plan was to hold the matches in Saudi Arabia as part of preparations for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, scheduled for January. However, due to regional instability, the venue was moved to Qatar. The tournament's start has also been postponed to December next year, diminishing the urgency for these matches.
What stands out in this two-match series is whether the team can resolve the internal discord that has surfaced. Moreno's squad recorded two wins, one draw, and one loss in their last four matches in September and October, but faced significant turmoil both on and off the field. Following a 2-0 victory against Uzbekistan on October 6, rumors emerged about potential retirements of players born in 1996, including Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Hwang In-beom (Porto), and Hwang Hee-chan (Schalke).
Amid this turmoil, conflicts involving captain Son Heung-min (LAFC) were also reported. During a National Assembly audit on October 21, some players allegedly referred to Son as 'number 7' or 'that person.' When a lawmaker asked who was called 'number 7,' acting president of the Korea Football Association Lee Yong-soo confirmed it was Son, although it remains unclear if players actually used those terms.
In response to the situation, Coach Moreno opted for a direct approach. On October 29, he announced the 26-player roster for the upcoming matches, including the controversial figures Kim Min-jae, Hwang In-beom, and Hwang Hee-chan. He reaffirmed Son's role as captain, stating, "We resolved issues internally through face-to-face discussions. Players also communicated with each other. Before being players, they are people, and I believe many issues can be resolved through personal conversations."
After a month since the discord rumors, the atmosphere during the team's gathering was positive. In their first full training session on November 10 at Qatar University in Doha, players encouraged each other loudly and synchronized their movements. Notably, Son and Hwang Hee-chan, who were managing their recovery, walked side by side at the front of the group, reportedly sharing smiles and conversations.
Son also conveyed a message to his teammates. Jung Woo-young (Union Berlin) told reporters before training, "During lunch, our captain Hyung-min said, 'Let’s all focus and enjoy the game together.' He emphasized the importance of training with good energy and smiles." Um Ji-sung (Swansea City) added, "Hyung-min encouraged us to come together and perform well in the remaining two matches."
This two-match series will serve as a test of Moreno's ability to foster internal cohesion. While he mentioned that issues were resolved through dialogue, specific details were not disclosed due to internal protocols. Ultimately, the resolution of conflicts will likely be assessed through the team's performance on the field.
Moreno's future is also tied to this Middle Eastern trip, as his contract ends on November 27. To secure a permanent head coach position, he needs to demonstrate that he has unified the team and improved their performance. The Korea Football Association had stipulated that his contract could be extended based on the results of six A-matches following his appointment in September.
However, the outlook for a permanent contract is uncertain. The AFC postponed the Asian Cup's start by approximately 11 months due to regional instability, weakening the rationale for maintaining an interim setup until the tournament. This also gives the Korea Football Association more time to search for a new head coach. Additionally, the upcoming by-election for the association's president, scheduled for December 18, has been effectively canceled due to concerns raised by FIFA and the AFC regarding proposed electoral reforms, delaying the establishment of a new executive board until next year.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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