Seoul’s optimism after a 3-0 win over Ecuador quickly gave way to a far harsher evening as Uruguay swept past South Korea 4-1 at the World Cup Stadium, delivering Diego Forlán his first victory as interim coach.
Uruguay had arrived without a win in 2026, following four draws and two defeats, and had lost 3-1 to Japan in Forlán’s first match in charge. Against Robert Moreno’s South Korea, however, the visitors settled the contest before the interval.
Quick facts
- South Korea 1-4 Uruguay in Seoul.
- Darwin Núñez scored twice, his first Uruguay goals since 28 June 2024.
- Giorgian de Arrascaeta supplied a goal and an assist before leaving injured in the 77th minute.
- Kim Min-jae’s own goal completed Uruguay’s three-goal first half.
- Son Heung-min scored South Korea’s late consolation after Kang-in Lee’s delivery.
Forlán made four changes and was rewarded by a sharper, more forceful Uruguay. His side pressed high, played out with purpose and attacked directly whenever space appeared behind the Korean defence.
De Arrascaeta, the Flamengo forward, was central to the opening breakthrough in the 13th minute. His precise pass sent Núñez through between defenders, and the Al Diriyah striker finished with his right foot.
The goal mattered especially to Núñez, who had gone 17 Uruguay appearances without scoring after finding the net against Bolivia on 28 June 2024. He had also drawn a blank during the 2024 Copa América, where Uruguay finished third. The former Liverpool and Benfica forward now has 15 international goals in 43 matches.
De Arrascaeta doubled the lead around 15 minutes later, striking from the edge of the area. Uruguay’s third followed before the 43rd minute when Guillermo Varela broke forward and his dangerous involvement ended with Kim turning the ball into his own net.
South Korea restored Kang-in Lee to the starting side after he had not played in the previous friendly because of his workload with Atlético, while Son returned to the attack. Neither could prevent Moreno’s team from being overwhelmed during the opening half after the promise of the Ecuador result.
The home side improved after the break, forcing Uruguay into a more defensive spell. Christopher Fiermain, the 28-year-old Bucaramanga goalkeeper, made important saves to keep the margin intact as South Korea searched for a route back.
Uruguay instead struck again on the hour. Varela delivered from the right and Núñez rose to head in the fourth, sealing a commanding display from the visitors.
There was a concern late on when De Arrascaeta was replaced by Zalazar in the 77th minute with an injury. South Korea eventually scored when Son applied a slight touch to Kang-in Lee’s cross, but it did little to alter the mood of a night Uruguay needed badly.
The result ended an eight-match winless stretch for the Celeste. Their previous victory had been a 2-1 success over Uzbekistan on 13 October 2025, almost a year before their emphatic response in the Korean capital.
