FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers — South Korea squad announced; Son Heung-min in, Kim Min-jae out
FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers — South Korea squad announced; Son Heung-min in, Kim Min-jae out
South Korean star Son Heung-min’s European success could rub off on the national side in crucial World Cup qualifiers next week.
Fresh from lifting the Europa League trophy with Tottenham Hotspur, skipper Son will lead a squad that needs just a draw to qualify. The team faces Iraq next, in Basra on June 5, and Kuwait, five days later in Seoul.
Coach Hong Myung-bo said he hoped to get even more out of his captain before the end of the season, after Son secured his first major trophy following 10 years at Tottenham.
“He has always done so well for himself, and for him to captain the team that won such a big title is something we should be proud of,” Hong said of Tottenham’s 1–0 win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao last week.
“After a long season, there is no reward quite like lifting a trophy at the end. Hopefully, his victory will have some positive impact on the national team.”
Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae was left out of the squad due to injury.
South Korea tops Asian qualifying Group B on 16 points, with two rounds of matches to be played. Jordan is second on 13, Iraq third on 12, and Oman fourth on 10.
The top two teams qualify for the World Cup, with the next two progressing to a further round of qualifying.
Published on May 26, 2025
