Son Heung-min Leads South Korea Squad for Fourth World Cup
South Korea has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with captain Son Heung-min leading the team in his fourth tournament appearance. Coach Hong Myung-bo selected a mix of experienced European-based stars like Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in, alongside historic pick Jens Castrop. The team is drawn into Group A and will play their opening matches in Mexico against the Czech Republic, co-hosts Mexico, and South Africa. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Son as he anchors the national team’s campaign in North America.
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Six K League Players Selected for South Korea's 2026 World Cup Squad
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has finalized his 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring six players from the domestic K League. The selected domestic players include goalkeepers Jo Hyeon-woo and Song Bum-keun, defenders Kim Moon-hwan and Lee Gi-hyeok, and midfielders Lee Dong-gyeong and Kim Jin-gyu. This representation marks the joint-lowest number of K League players in a World Cup squad, equaling the 2014 tournament under the same coach. Additionally, Jeonbuk’s Kang Sang-yoon and Cho Wi-je join as standby training members, while FC Seoul’s Yoon Gi-wook was invited as an extra goalkeeper for training purposes before the tournament begins. The squad is scheduled to play friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador in Salt Lake City before moving to their base in Guadalajara, Mexico. The majority of the squad comprises Europe-based stars such as Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in. The announcement highlights a continuing trend of relying heavily on overseas talent, with domestic league representation significantly lower than historical averages from previous decades.
yahoo sportsHeung-Min Son Named Captain as South Korea Announces 2026 World Cup Squad
South Korean head coach Hong Myung-bo has officially announced the 26-man squad that will represent the nation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks South Korea's eleventh consecutive appearance in the tournament. The team will be led by captain Heung-Min Son, who currently plays for LAFC, as they aim to surpass their historic fourth-place finish from 2002. Notable absences from the final list include Woo-yeong Jeong, Min-su Kim, and Min-hyeok Yang. The squad features a mix of domestic K League talent and prominent European-based players such as Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers). South Korea has been drawn into Group A, where they will compete against Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. The announcement sets the stage for the Asian team's campaign in the upcoming summer tournament, highlighting the continued reliance on experienced stars like Son while integrating younger talents from various international leagues.
PortadaSouth Korea Coach Backs Son Heung-min to Shine at Fourth World Cup
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has expressed confidence in captain Son Heung-min’s ability to return to form at his fourth World Cup, following the announcement of the 26-man squad. Although Son has struggled with goal scoring since moving from Tottenham Hotspur to LAFC in Major League Soccer, Hong believes a tactical adjustment to a more advanced role will help him succeed. The coach noted that Son previously played in a deeper position at his club, limiting his chances. The squad features other prominent players such as Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae, and Hwang Hee-chan. South Korea is drawn in Group A alongside Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. Hong acknowledged challenges related to high-altitude matches in Guadalajara but emphasized the team's primary objective is to advance to the round of 32. This announcement follows recent criticism after goalless friendly losses to Austria and the Ivory Coast. The team will begin their campaign against the Czech Republic on June 11.
The NamibianSon Heung-min Selected for South Korea's Fourth World Cup Campaign
South Korean football icon Son Heung-min has been selected for his fourth FIFA World Cup campaign after being named in the national team's 26-man squad announced on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Now playing for Los Angeles FC at age 33, the former Tottenham striker remains a central figure for the team under head coach Hong Myung-bo. The squad also includes midfielder Hwang In-beom, who was selected despite suffering from an ankle injury, and Jens Castrop, a Borussia Mönchengladbach player born in Germany to a South Korean mother. South Korea is drawn into Group A for the tournament hosted in North America. Their campaign begins on June 11 with a match against the Czech Republic in Mexico. They are scheduled to face additional group stage opponents Mexico and South Africa. The announcement was made during a press conference in Seoul, where Coach Hong Myung-bo presented the final roster, which features a mix of experienced veterans and younger talents across goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
yahoo sportsBeşiktaş Forward Oh Hyeon-gyu Named to South Korea's 2026 World Cup Squad
The South Korean Football Federation has officially announced the national team squad for the 2026 World Cup, featuring Beşiktaş forward Oh Hyeon-gyu. The 25-year-old striker, who has recorded six goals in 26 international appearances, joins a prominent lineup that includes Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min and former Fenerbahçe defender Kim Min-jae. South Korea has been drawn into Group A, where they are scheduled to face the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa. The finalized roster comprises three goalkeepers, including Jo Hyeon-woo and Kim Seung-gyu; eight defenders, notably Kim Min-jae and Jens Castrop; nine midfielders such as Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan; and three forwards. This announcement marks a significant milestone for Oh, highlighting his growing importance in the national setup alongside established stars. The inclusion of players from various international clubs underscores the global experience within the current South Korean team as they prepare for the upcoming tournament challenges against diverse international opponents.
Anadolu Ajansı Güncel HaberlerSon Heung-min to Lead South Korea's 2026 World Cup Squad Under Coach Hong Myung-bo
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has announced the 26-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with veteran star Son Heung-min appointed as the team leader. This marks Son's fourth World Cup appearance following his recent move from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC. The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, features an expanded 48-team format. Key players such as Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) are included, along with injured midfielder Hwang In-beom. Coach Hong stated that the primary objective is to advance to the round of 32, acknowledging the uncertainty of further progress. South Korea, making its 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, faces a challenging group stage in Mexico against the Czech Republic, host nation Mexico, and South Africa. Despite recent poor results in friendly matches against Ivory Coast and Austria, the team is preparing in Salt Lake City with final warm-up games scheduled against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador before the tournament begins in June 2026.
yahoo sportsSouth Korea Coach Backs Son Heung-min to Shine at Fourth World Cup
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has expressed confidence in captain Son Heung-min’s ability to return to goalscoring form during his fourth World Cup appearance. Following the announcement of the 26-man squad, Hong addressed concerns about Son’s recent struggle for goals since transferring from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer. The coach noted that Son played in a deeper role at his club, limiting his chances, but believes the national team setup will better utilize his strengths. South Korea is drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. Hong highlighted the challenge of playing at high altitude in Guadalajara, citing Son’s previous exhaustion from similar conditions. The squad features other prominent players such as Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae, and Hwang Hee-chan. Despite recent poor results in friendlies against Austria and Ivory Coast, Hong stated the primary objective is to advance to the round of 32 in a strong position. The team will open their campaign against the Czech Republic on June 11.
yahoo sportsSouth Korea Captain Son Heung-min Selected for Fourth World Cup Squad
South Korea captain Son Heung-min has been officially named in the national squad for his fourth World Cup tournament this summer. The 33-year-old forward, who recently transitioned from Tottenham Hotspur to Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC, will lead an experienced team under coach Hong Myung-bo. The squad announcement highlights a mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent, including Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan and several British-based midfielders such as Bae Jun-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Yang Hyun-jun, and Eom Ji-sung. South Korea is set to begin their Group A campaign on June 12 against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara. They will subsequently face co-hosts Mexico on June 19 in the same city, before concluding their group stage matches against South Africa on June 25 in Monterrey. This selection marks a significant milestone for Son, reinforcing his status as a central figure in South Korean football as he prepares for another global tournament appearance.
BBC SportSouth Korea Captain Son Heung-min Selected for Fourth World Cup Squad
South Korea captain Son Heung-min has been named in the national squad for his fourth FIFA World Cup, scheduled for summer 2026. The 33-year-old forward, who recently joined Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, will lead an experienced team under coach Hong Myung-bo. The squad features several Europe-based players, including Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan, Paris St-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Notably, Jens Castrop of Borussia Monchengladbach becomes the first player with dual heritage to represent South Korea at a World Cup, having switched allegiance from Germany last year. South Korea is drawn in Group A and will begin their campaign against the Czech Republic on June 12 in Guadalajara, followed by matches against co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. The announcement highlights a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent as the team prepares for the tournament hosted in North America.
yahoo sportsGerman-born Castrop Makes Historic South Korea World Cup Squad
German-born midfielder Jens Castrop has been selected for South Korea's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking a historic moment as the first player with dual heritage to make the team. Head coach Hong Myung-bo announced the roster in Seoul, confirming that Tottenham star Son Heung-min will captain the side. The squad features prominent European-based players such as Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Despite recent ankle issues, Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom was included, with the coaching staff expressing confidence in his recovery through high-intensity training. South Korea, aiming for an upset in their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, is drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. The team will play preparatory friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador in the United States before opening their campaign against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 11. Coach Hong emphasized the challenges posed by varying altitudes in host cities but remains optimistic about the team's potential to create surprises.
Latest NewsGerman-born Castrop Makes Historic South Korea World Cup Squad
German-born midfielder Jens Castrop has been selected for South Korea's 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking a historic moment as the first player with dual heritage to make the team. Head coach Hong Myung-bo announced the roster in Seoul, confirming that Tottenham Hotspur star Son Heung-min will captain the side. The squad features prominent European-based players, including Paris Saint-Germain's Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Despite recent injury concerns at Feyenoord, midfielder Hwang In-beom was included, with the coaching staff expressing confidence in his recovery through high-intensity training. The team will play preparatory friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador in Utah before heading to the tournament. South Korea is drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa, with their opening match scheduled against the Czechs in Guadalajara on June 11. The selection highlights a blend of experienced veterans and emerging talent as the Taegeuk Warriors aim for success in their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance.
Latest NewsSon Heung-min to Lead South Korea Squad at His Fourth World Cup
South Korea has announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming World Cup, with captain Son Heung-min leading the team in his fourth tournament appearance. Now 34 years old and playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer after leaving Tottenham Hotspur, Son heads an experienced lineup. Key stars include Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan. Under coach Hong Myung-bo, the squad features a mix of European-based players and those from Asian leagues, including German-born Jens Castrop of Borussia Moenchengladbach and Besiktas striker Oh Hyeon-gyu. South Korea has been drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. The team will play all their first-round matches in Mexico, starting with an opener against the Czech Republic on June 11. The announcement confirms the final roster as the nation prepares for the global competition, highlighting the continued reliance on Son's leadership and the integration of younger talents like Lee Kang-in.
Punch Newspapers - Latest NewsSon Heung-min to Lead South Korea Squad at His Fourth World Cup
South Korea captain Son Heung-min has been named in the national team's 26-man squad for his fourth FIFA World Cup, as announced by coach Hong Myung-bo. Now playing for Los Angeles FC in Major League Soccer, the 34-year-old forward leads an experienced roster featuring prominent European-based players such as Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in, and Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan. The squad also includes German-born defender Jens Castrop and striker Oh Hyeon-gyu. South Korea has been drawn into Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico, the Czech Republic, and South Africa. The team will play all their first-round matches in Mexico, beginning with their opening game against the Czech Republic on June 11. This tournament marks a significant milestone for Son, who continues to anchor the national team after leaving Tottenham Hotspur a year prior. The selection highlights a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent from various international leagues, aiming to advance past the group stage in the upcoming global competition.
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