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South Korea

World Cup 2026 · Group A · AFC · FIFA Rank #22

Group SpoilerCoach: Hong Myung-boBest result: Semi-finals (2002)Appearance #12

⚙️ Tactical Profile

High-energy, transition-heavy football. Hong Myung-bo sets up in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 that springs forward the instant possession turns over, with Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in cutting in from either flank. The squad presses well and breaks at real pace, but can be bullied in the air and exposed against physical front lines.

🔮 Expectations

Nobody is asking for another 2002, but a place in the knockout rounds feels both realistic and required. This is almost certainly Son's last World Cup, and the entire campaign is framed around sending him out properly. In an even Group A, Korea's chances of advancing sit right around a coin flip.

⭐ Key Players

Son Heung-minWinger / Forward · Los Angeles FC — Asia's greatest-ever forward. Both feet, brutal in transition, captain in every sense.85Lee Kang-inAttacking Mid · Paris Saint-Germain — A left-footed escape artist in tight spaces; the set-piece taker and creative engine.82Kim Min-jaeCentre-Back · Bayern Munich — 'The Monster.' Wins everything in the air, recovers like a sprinter — Korea's one world-class defender.84Hwang Hee-chanForward · Wolves — A relentless channel-runner who presses like it's personal.79Jo Hyeon-wooGoalkeeper · Ulsan HD — Spring-loaded reflexes and a habit of saving his best for the biggest nights.79Bae Jun-hoWinger / Attacking Mid · Stoke City — A slippery young dribbler already anointed as the next Son.75

📋 Full 26-Man Squad

Kim Seung-gyuLee Han-beomLee Gi-hyukKim Min-jaeKim Tae-hyeonHwang In-beomSon Heung-minPaik Seung-hoCho Gue-sungLee Jae-sungHwang Hee-chanSong Bum-keunLee Tae-seokCho Wi-jeKim Moon-hwanPark Jin-seobBae Jun-hoOh Hyeon-gyuLee Kang-inYang Hyun-junJo Hyeon-wooSeol Young-wooJens CastropKim Jin-gyuEom Ji-sungLee Dong-gyeong

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