All you need to know about South Korea's squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
South Korea have already confirmed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, just like Japan, they will be one of the teams to watch from the Asian subcontinent.
After being knocked out in the group stages during their 2014 and 2018 World Cup campaigns, they managed to break that streak by qualifying for the Round of 16 in 2022. However, their run was halted by Brazil in the knockout stage.
South Korea's best-ever World Cup performance came in 2002 when they co-hosted the tournament. Against all odds, they reached the semi-finals and finished fourth, a historic achievement that remains unmatched in Asian football.
Can they recreate that magic 24 years later?
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In the goalkeeping department for the Asian side, veteran Seung-gyu Kim is expected to lead the charge as the first-choice keeper at the showpiece event next year. With over 80 international appearances and previous World Cup experience, Kim will be the top choice for South Korea.
Hyeon-woo Jo of Ulsan HD is another excellent option and will be a strong contender behind Kim to start for the national team.
Seung-gyu KimFC TokyoHyeon-woo JoUlsan HDChang-geun LeeDaejeon Hana CitizenDong-heon KimIncheon UnitedAdvertisementGetty Images SportDefenders
South Korea have quality players to reinforce their defense. Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae has established himself as one of the top center-backs in the league and has also been massively influential for the national team. His presence will be vital in leading the backline for the Asian side on the world stage.
Alongside Min-jae, South Korea also have the likes of Yung-woo Seol and Tae-seok Lee, who have been exceptional in the wider areas for both their clubs and the national team.
Yu-min Cho of Sharjah is another reliable center-back and could form a solid partnership with Kim Min-jae as South Korea’s central defensive duo at the World Cup next year.
Min-Jae KimBayern MunichSeung-wook ParkPohang SteelersJu-sung KimSeoulTae-seok LeePohang SteelersTae-hyeon KimKashima AntlersYu-min ChoSharjahYung-woo SeolCrvena ZvezdaJae-won HwangDaeguHan-beom LeeMidtjyllandShin Min-HaGangwonJin-seob ParkJeonbukGetty Images SportMidfielders
In midfield, South Korea have a number of great options. In-beom Hwang has been instrumental for Feyenoord in the Netherlands as well as the national team. Hwang's presence in midfield will be essential for South Korea to provide stability and create chances.
Al Ain’s Yong-woo Park, on the other hand, will be crucial in maintaining the team’s shape while operating as a defensive midfielder. Talented youngster Min-hyeok Yang of Tottenham could also prove to be a great asset for Myung-bo Hong’s side in the middle of the park.
Ji-sung Eom and Dong-gyeong Lee are also solid options who could be decisive coming off the bench.
In-beom HwangFeyenoordHyeon-seok HongMainzMin-hyeok YangTottenhamJi-Sung EomSwanseaYong-woo ParkAl AinHo-yeon JungMinnesotaSeon-min MoonSeoulSeung-ho PaikBirmingham CityDong-gyeong LeeGimcheon SangmuGetty Images SportAttackers
In attack, the Asian side have some big names at their disposal. Tottenham Hotspur's Heung-min Son recently captained his side to a Europa League victory and has consistently performed at the highest level for the London-based club in the Premier League.
Along with Son, Hee-chan Hwang of Wolverhampton Wanderers has also performed consistently since joining the club in 2022 and will be an asset for Korea in goal-scoring situations. Meanwhile, Kang-in Lee, who currently plays for PSG in Ligue 1, will be crucial in the attacking third with chance creation and key passes.
Hyeon-gyu Oh has also been performing at a high level for Genk in the Belgian Pro League and could be decisive playing in the number nine role.
Similar to Kang-in Lee, South Korea also have Jae-sung Lee, who could serve as a major creative outlet for Hong’s side at the showpiece event next year.
Heung-min SonTottenhamHee-chan HwangWolvesKang-in LeePSGJae-sung LeeMainzHyeon-gyu OhGenkHyun-jun YangCelticGue-sung ChoMidtjyllandYong-joon LeeGrasshopper