South Korean National Team’s 26-Man Roster for World Cup Takes Shape: Will There Be a Surprise Pick? [D-30]

South Korea’s final 26-man squad for the 2026 North America World Cup is on the verge of being announced. Head coach Hong Myung-bo will reveal the official roster at 4 PM on the 16th at the KT building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul.

With exactly one month until the tournament kicks off, Hong has only three days left to finalize his decisions. However, the core of the squad has reportedly been over 80% complete since late last year.

Of the 26 players called up for last November’s friendlies against Bolivia (2-0 win) and Ghana (1-0 win), 22 were also selected for the March European tour matches against Ivory Coast (0-4 loss) and Austria (0-1 loss). Including key midfielder Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), who was sidelined due to injury, 21 to 23 players appear to have already secured their spots under Hong Myung-bo.

The backbone of the team, from goalkeeper to striker, is largely set.

In goal, Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan), and Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk) are strong candidates. While Kim and Jo were initially competing for the starting role, Song’s impressive performances for Jeonbuk this season have elevated his profile.

The back three defense is expected to see minimal changes. Hong’s team, which used a four-back formation during World Cup qualifiers, has shifted to a three-back system since the EAFF E-1 Championship last July. Although they reverted to a four-back against Bolivia, the three-back remains the primary tactic.

At center-back, Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) is the anchor, with Cho Yu-min (Sharjah), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), and Park Jin-seop (Zhejiang) regularly called up.

Park Jin-seop, a versatile defender who can also play as a defensive midfielder, is poised for his first World Cup appearance. The key question is who will be chosen as the left-footed center-back. Kim Ju-sung (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) and Kim Tae-hyun (Kashima Antlers) have been competing, but Kim Ju-sung has yet to recover from an injury sustained during the March internationals, casting doubt on his World Cup participation.

The full-back positions are subject to change. Bundesliga-based “hybrid fighter” Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach) and Celtic’s Yang Hyun-jun, who can play both as a winger and wing-back, are notable candidates. Castrop, the first foreign-born mixed-race player to represent South Korea, has impressed this season after converting to a wing-back role and even scoring. Yang Hyun-jun, Celtic’s Young Player of the Year, has shown his potential as an attacking wing-back with his dribbling and work rate.

Seol Young-woo (Zvezda), who can play on both flanks, leads the competition, while specialized wing-backs like Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna) and Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon) are also likely to make the trip.

The midfield remains a concern for Hong, especially with Hwang In-beom not at full fitness. The team struggled with buildup and midfield control during the March friendlies without him. Alternatives like Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk), and Park Jin-seop have stepped in, but Hwang’s absence was keenly felt. With Hong’s favorite Park Yong-woo (Al Ain) ruled out due to an ACL injury, attention turns to whether Park Jin-seop will be pushed forward or if Won Du-jae (Corfacan) or Seo Min-woo (Gangwon) will be called up.

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In the attacking midfield, the positions behind the striker are virtually secured by captain Son Heung-min (LAFC), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), leaving only one or two spots open.

While European-based players like Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City) and Um Ji-sung (Swansea City) have been frequently called up, K League talents such as Lee Dong-kyung (Ulsan) and Lee Seung-woo (Jeonbuk) are also strong contenders based on their current form.

Up front, Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland), who rose to stardom with a multi-goal performance at the 2022 World Cup, and Oh Hyun-kyu (Besiktas) are very likely to be selected. Son Heung-min could also be deployed as a striker depending on the situation.

After announcing the final squad on the 16th, Hong Myung-bo’s team will depart for a pre-camp in Salt Lake City, USA, on the 18th. South Korea will compete in Group A alongside host nation Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa.