Korea Republic men’s national team will take on Colombia at home next month.

Korea Football Association announced on Monday that the Taegeuk Warriors are set to face Los Cafeteros on 24 March, with the kick-off time and the venue yet to be confirmed. Therefore, the match against the South Americans is likely to be a debut for Korea Republic’s new coach who will be appointed in due course.

The players based in overseas leagues are entitled to join the national team as the two-game series takes place during the international friendly window in March.

Colombia are in the 17th place in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking as of December last year, eight places higher than Korea Republic. They did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, finishing sixth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. Korea hold the edge over Colombia in the seven previous meetings between the sides, with a record of four wins, two draws and a defeat. Most recently, the Taegeuk Warriors emerged victorious with goals from Son Heungmin and Lee Jaesung securing a 2-1 win at Seoul World Cup Stadium four years ago in March 2019. Led by Argentinian coach Nestor Lorenzo, the current Colombia national team boast some famous players such as James Rodriguez (32, Olympiacos), Davinson Sanchez (27, Tottenham), Luiz Diaz (26, Liverpool) and Juan Cuadrado (35, Juventus).
 

The visiting team for the second friendly on 28 March are Uruguay, who will return to Seoul World Cup Stadium for a rematch on Tuesday evening.

The Taegeuk Warriors and the South Americans have crossed swords in the group stage opener of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 last November, when they shared the spoils in a goalless draw. The sides finished second in the group with identical results – a win, a draw and a defeat – and the same goal difference, but Korea pipped Uruguay into the round of 16 by virtue of more goals scored.

Currently ranked 16th in the FIFA World Ranking, nine steps above Korea Republic in 25th place, Uruguay are scheduled to play against Japan on 24 March before arriving in Korea.

Korea and Uruguay have met one another nine times previously, with the latter holding the edge with a record of six wins, two draws and a defeat. Korea Republic have defeated Uruguay only once in a friendly in Seoul in October 2018, with goals from Hwang Uijo and Jung Wooyoung securing a 2-1 victory.