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South Korea to Field Young Talent in Final Qualifier After Locking in World Cup Spot

Hong Myung-bo plans to hand first caps to several uncapped players in Tuesday’s match against Kuwait.

Soccer Football - World Cup - AFC Qualifiers - Third Round - Group B - South Korea v Jordan - Suwon World Cup Stadium, Suwon, South Korea - March 25, 2025 South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong before the match REUTERS/Kim Soo-Hyeon/File Photo
Members of the South Korean men's national football team pose for group photos at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on June 6, 2025, after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iraq the previous night in Basra, Iraq. (Yonhap)
Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean men's national football team, joins his teammates upon arriving at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on June 6, 2025, after South Korea defeated Iraq 2-0 the previous night to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Yonhap)
Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean men's national football team, speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, on June 6, 2025, after returning from Iraq. South Korea defeated Iraq 2-0 the previous night to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea secured qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-0 win over Iraq on June 5, marking their 11th consecutive tournament appearance.
  • The 26-man squad includes seven players born in the 2000s and 14 with fewer than 10 caps, and five made their international debuts in Basra.
  • Captain Son Heung-min remains under load management as he recovers from a foot injury and is unlikely to feature against Kuwait.
  • Hong intends to broaden his selection for the East Asian Football Federation E-1 Championship in July to identify players capable of contributing at the World Cup.
  • September friendlies against the United States and Mexico will follow the regional tournament as part of final preparations for 2026.