Forward Darwin Núñez gave the Uruguayan national team an early lead against South Korea on Monday (28) at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the South Korean capital. The international friendly match kicked off at 08:00 Brasília time, bringing together two traditional teams that stand among the most prominent competitors across their respective continental confederations.
The decisive breakthrough occurred 13 minutes into the first half when the striker received a through ball from playmaker Giorgian de Arrascaeta and struck a low right-footed effort from inside the box into the back of the net. The game remains active in the opening period, with the South American visitors holding firmly to the 1-0 scoreline established in the initial exchanges of the encounter.
Clinical finish in the penalty box breaks down South Korea backline
The Uruguayan side took the pitch asserting presence in the attacking third and disrupting the distribution efforts of the home team from the opening whistle. Guided from the touchline by manager Diego Forlán, Uruguay lined up in a structured 4-2-3-1 setup, using quick central link-up play and dynamic width on the flanks to feed Darwin Núñez inside dangerous areas.
🇺🇾 Lindo passe de Arrascaeta para Darwin Nuñez marcar!
Uruguai vai vencendo por 1×0 a Coreia do Sul em amistoso realizado em Seul. pic.twitter.com/Jb3lyA0cNj— 433 (@FaslAbw57410) September 28, 2026
Operating from the opposing technical area, South Korea deployed a rigid 4-4-2 shape orchestrated by Spanish tactician Robert Moreno. While the home defense attempted to compress central channels with a cautious defensive stance, their back four momentarily lost track of runners, granting space for Giorgian de Arrascaeta to slip a neat pass toward Darwin Núñez for the opening goal in Seoul.
Minute by minute key actions during the opening half at Seoul World Cup Stadium
- 1 minute into the 1st half: The match referee blows the whistle to start the international encounter at Seoul World Cup Stadium.
- 3 minutes into the 1st half: Left-back Joaquín Piquerez sends a left-footed attempt wide from the left side of the penalty area, missing Uruguay’s first clear scoring opening.
- 7 minutes into the 1st half: Winger Brian Rodríguez connects with a pass delivered by Giorgian de Arrascaeta and drives a right-footed shot off target.
- 10 minutes into the 1st half: South Korea attempts a vertical pass to release attacker Oh Hyeon-gyu behind the defensive line, but the assistant referee flags him for offside.
- 12 minutes into the 1st half: Midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur slides across to deflect an attempt by Lee Kang-in, conceding a corner kick to the home side.
- 13 minutes into the 1st half: Darwin Núñez scores the opening goal for Uruguay, converting a right-footed strike in the middle of the box courtesy of an assist by Giorgian de Arrascaeta.
- 17 minutes into the 1st half: Center-back Ronald Araújo intercepts a dangerous delivery along the defensive flank, deflecting the ball away for another South Korean corner.
- 18 minutes into the 1st half: Darwin Núñez draws a foul in the middle third following a robust challenge from midfielder Kim Bong-soo.
- 22 minutes into the 1st half: Ronald Araújo commits a foul on forward Son Heung-min and engages in an animated discussion with the match official.
- 23 minutes into the 1st half: Ronald Araújo is shown a yellow card for showing dissent against the referee’s decision.
Global standing and international head to head records between both sides
The clash taking place in the South Korean capital features two established national teams navigating technical rebuilding phases while holding closely matched standings on the international stage. Uruguay entered the fixture occupying 20th place in the official FIFA World Ranking, whereas South Korea stepped onto the pitch holding 32nd position in the same global table.
Attacking leader Son Heung-min began the match wearing the captain’s armband for South Korea, carrying an impressive individual tally of 57 international goals. With that scoring ledger, the veteran forward walked onto the field needing a single strike to match legendary goalscorer Cha Bum-kun, who stands as the country’s all-time record holder with 58 goals.
Previous fixtures and match dates across the September international window
- 24 September 2026: South Korea earned a 3-0 victory against Ecuador in what marked the managerial debut of Robert Moreno.
- 24 September 2026: Japan defeated Uruguay 3-1 during the opening slate of national team friendlies scheduled across East Asia.
- 28 September 2026: South Korea and Uruguay face off at Seoul World Cup Stadium, with kick-off recorded at 08:00 Brasília time.
Squad absences and confirmed lineups selected by both tacticians
Uruguay had to adjust to significant physical issues within the traveling squad before taking the field in Seoul. Starting goalkeeper Sergio Rochet was ruled out of the contest due to persistent lower back pain, which opened up a starting spot between the posts for Cristopher Fiermarín. Another major absence within the Uruguayan camp involved central midfielder Federico Valverde, who remained unavailable following an ankle sprain suffered prior to the fixture.
Accounting for the lineup changes, manager Diego Forlán fielded a starting eleven featuring Cristopher Fiermarín in goal; Guillermo Varela, Ronald Araújo, Mathías Olivera, and Joaquín Piquerez across the defense; Lucas Torreira and Rodrigo Bentancur anchoring the midfield; Brian Rodríguez, Giorgian de Arrascaeta, and Maximiliano Araújo in the attacking midfield line; and Darwin Núñez as the lone central striker. In contrast, Robert Moreno set up South Korea with goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu; full-backs Seol Young-woo and Lee Tae-seok alongside center-backs Lee Han-beom and Kim Min-jae; a midfield grouping of Lee Kang-in, Kim Bong-soo, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan; and an attacking tandem formed by Oh Hyeon-gyu and Son Heung-min.
The duel continues with live updates monitoring every tactical change and offensive sequence unfolding on the pitch. Both sides remain locked in a contested battle as the first half progresses, keeping the outcome undecided on the grass of Seoul World Cup Stadium.