Republic of Korea Overview

Diego Forlan will make his official debut as interim head coach of Uruguay in a friendly against Japan at Miyagi's Q&A Stadium. The iconic forward expressed deep gratitude for returning to the country where he previously represented Cerezo Osaka.

Diego Forlan has embarked on his first international assignment as Uruguay interim head coach without key midfielder Federico Valverde. The Real Madrid star was ruled out of the Asian tour due to a severe ankle injury, prompting Forlan to draft in Palmeiras midfielder Emiliano Martinez.

Son Heung-min represents “money very well spent” for MLS and LAFC, Shaka Hislop has told GOAL, with the former Tottenham star helping to open up new markets for North American soccer. The South Korea international moved to the United States in August 2025 and has made a positive go of making it big in Hollywood while operating under the brightest of spotlights.

Asian football is enjoying an unprecedented boom across Europe's top five leagues, driven by massive contingents from Japan and South Korea. Indonesian talents have also made historic inroads by featuring in four of the top five divisions alongside representatives from Thailand, China, Saudi Arabia, and Australia.