How did Korea perform in Robert Moreno’s first four matches as interim coach?

Korea recorded two wins, one draw and one loss: a 3-0 victory over Ecuador, a 4-1 defeat against Uruguay, a goalless draw with Venezuela and a 2-0 win over Uzbekistan.

Why did Korea remain fourth among Asian teams in the FIFA rankings?

Korea stayed at No. 32 globally, placing behind Japan at No. 17, Iran at No. 23 and Australia at No. 26 among Asian Football Confederation teams.

When will FIFA publish its next men’s world ranking update?

FIFA is scheduled to release its next rankings after the Nov. 9-17 international match window.

Korea stay at No. 32 in FIFA rankings after 4 friendlies under Moreno

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Summary

Korea remained No. 32 in the FIFA rankings released Thursday after recording two wins, one draw and one loss in four friendlies under temporary head coach Robert Moreno. Korea beat Ecuador 3-0, lost to Uruguay 4-1, drew Venezuela 0-0 and defeated Uzbekistan 2-0. Korea was fourth in the Asian Football Confederation, behind Japan, Iran and Australia. FIFA will update the rankings after the Nov. 9-17 window.

Key Facts

The international match window ran from Sept. 21 to Oct. 6, and teams could play a maximum of four matches.
Korea hosted all four friendlies during the window, with Moreno appointed caretaker head coach in early September.
Defender Kim Min-jae criticized his teammates’ lack of effort after the goalless draw with Venezuela.
Japan ranked 17th, Iran 23rd and Australia 26th in the latest rankings.
Spain stayed at No. 1, while Portugal rose to No. 5 and Brazil fell to No. 6.

By Yonhap

Published Oct 8, 2026 4:38 pm KST
Updated Oct 8, 2026 4:51 pm KST

South Korea's interim head coach Robert Moreno looks on ahead of the international football friendly match between South Korea and Uzbekistan at Yongin Mireu Stadium, south of Seoul, Tuesday. Yonhap

Korea stayed put at No. 32 in the latest FIFA rankings released Thursday, after recording two wins, one draw and one loss in their first four matches under their temporary head coach Robert Moreno.

FIFA unveiled its latest rankings after the conclusion of the Sept. 21-Oct. 6 international match window, during which teams could each play a maximum four games.

Korea hosted four friendlies during this period, with Moreno, appointed as the caretaker boss in early September, trying to put his fingerprints on the Taegeuk Warriors.

Korea beat Ecuador 3-0 in Moreno's debut on Sept. 24 but lost to Uruguay 4-1 four days later. Korea then played Venezuela to a goalless draw last Friday, a performance that prompted defender Kim Min-jae to call out his teammates for their lack of effort in a televised interview.

Korea closed out the four-match swing by defeating Uzbekistan 2-0 on Tuesday.

Korea remained the fourth-best team in the Asian Football Confederation, behind Japan at 17th, Iran at 23rd and Australia at 26th.

FIFA will next update its rankings after the Nov. 9-17 window.

The reigning World Cup champions Spain stayed at No. 1, with Portugal climbing two spots to No. 5 and Brazil dropping a notch to No. 6.

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