South Korea Names World Cup 2026 Squad: Son In, Kim Out

South Korea currently commands Asian Qualification Pool B with 16 total points, with two fixtures remaining. Jordan trails in second with 13, Iraq follows with 12, and Oman ranks fourth with 10. Newly triumphant from securing the Europa League title with Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-Min will lead the national side, which was officially unveiled on Monday.

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The team requires merely a stalemate versus Iraq in Basra on June 5 to confirm World Cup advancement. If unsuccessful, the Koreans will obtain an alternative opportunity to secure qualification for next year’s grand event in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, by contending against Kuwait in Seoul five days later.

National head coach Hong Myung-Bo expressed optimism about extracting further contributions from his skipper before the conclusion of the campaign, especially after Son acquired his significant inaugural accolade in a decade at Tottenham. He’s always excelled individually, but captaining the squad that claimed such a monumental achievement.

Hong Praises Son’s Win; Kim Out as Korea Eyes Football World Cup Spot

Hong commented on Tottenham’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Manchester United in the Europa League finale held in Bilbao last week. After an exhausting season, there’s no gratification quite like hoisting silverware. Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-Jae was omitted from the lineup due to a physical ailment. South Korea maintains the lead in Group B with 16 points.

Jordan follows with 13, Iraq at 12, and Oman at 10. The top duo in the standings advance directly to the global tournament, while the subsequent two move forward to an additional qualification phase. Coach Hong, aged 56, also acknowledged Son Heung-Min’s first club-level title. The Korean Football Association convened a media briefing to release.

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The official national team selection will be at 11 a.m. on the 26th, hosted at the KFA Football Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The squad, under Hong’s supervision, is scheduled to face Iraq in their ninth qualifier. The Asian qualification process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America resumes on June 6 at Basra International Stadium.

Korea Eyes World Cup Spot: Son Returns, Kim Misses Squad

South Korea then returns to host Kuwait on June 10 at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The Taeguk Warriors currently top the table with four victories and four ties. Even a draw with Iraq guarantees a berth in the World Cup finals for the 11th time in succession. South Korea previously failed to clinch early qualification following three straight defeats.

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Home stalemates against Palestine 1 to 1, Oman 1 to 1, and Jordan 1 to 1 results that proved crucial setbacks. Before the formal announcement, a 26-man squad list was made public. It was anticipated that key assets Son Heung-Min and Kim Min-Jae, both pivotal in offense and defense, respectively, might miss selection due to fitness concerns.

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Having not been fully active throughout the season. However, Son returned post-injury, featuring both off the bench and in the starting eleven across three matches. He was subsequently called up without objection. The concern remained with Kim Min-Jae, whose name was absent among the nine defenders listed.

Son Stars in Europa Win, Kim Unfit for FIFA 2026 Squad

Coach Hong clarified: “We’ve maintained ongoing communication. Ultimately, the medical and performance evaluation indicated he’s not match-ready. During a Q&A session, Hong also discussed Son’s breakthrough triumph. On May 25, Tottenham beat Manchester United 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League Final at Estadio San Mamés, Bilbao, Spain.

This marked the club’s first trophy in 17 years since winning the 2008 League Cup, and Son’s first major title in 15 years, an achievement unseen in Korean European football for over four decades. Tottenham’s decisive moment came via Brennan Johnson’s goal in the 41st minute of the first half. Despite intense pressure from United in the latter stages.

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Micky van de Ven produced a pivotal goal-line clearance in the second half. In the 67th minute, Son replaced Richarlison, engaging dynamically in counterattacks and crafting a shot in the 81st minute. At full-time, Son wrapped himself in the Taegeukgi and proudly hoisted the trophy aloft, culminating in a celebratory scene surrounded by teammates, a long-awaited moment for the captain.

Hong Backs Son’s Fitness, Eyes World Cup 2026 Boost

Despite residual foot discomfort, Coach Hong decided on Son’s inclusion, explaining I spoke with him after the final, and he assured me there were no major issues. I don’t foresee it impacting his form. He added, Son’s performance has consistently stood out for years, but this moment is uniquely special. Coach Hong concluded: We should collectively be proud.

For any athlete enduring a lengthy campaign, winning a championship is the ultimate payoff. I extend my congratulations and hope this winning momentum translates into our national performance. He emphasized that Son played for a little over 20 minutes in the final, and upon confirming his condition with the coaching staff, the decision was made accordingly.

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