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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.

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.