South Korea squad World Cup 2026: Which players will make it to the showpiece in USA, Mexico and Canada?
16 December, 2025n8rngtd.top0 Comments1 category
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.
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.
Player
Club
Seung-gyu Kim
FC Tokyo
Hyeon-woo Jo
Ulsan HD
Chang-geun Lee
Daejeon Hana Citizen
Dong-heon Kim
Incheon United
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Defenders
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.
Player
Club
Min-Jae Kim
Bayern Munich
Seung-wook Park
Pohang Steelers
Ju-sung Kim
Seoul
Tae-seok Lee
Pohang Steelers
Tae-hyeon Kim
Kashima Antlers
Yu-min Cho
Sharjah
Yung-woo Seol
Crvena Zvezda
Jae-won Hwang
Daegu
Han-beom Lee
Midtjylland
Shin Min-Ha
Gangwon
Jin-seob Park
Jeonbuk
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Midfielders
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.
Player
Club
In-beom Hwang
Feyenoord
Hyeon-seok Hong
Mainz
Min-hyeok Yang
Tottenham
Ji-Sung Eom
Swansea
Yong-woo Park
Al Ain
Ho-yeon Jung
Minnesota
Seon-min Moon
Seoul
Seung-ho Paik
Birmingham City
Dong-gyeong Lee
Gimcheon Sangmu
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Attackers
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.