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.