World Cup 2026: South Korea unveils a list of 26 players.

The South Korea coach unveiled the list of players selected to compete in the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. A squad that blends experienced mainstays and young talents playing in the top European leagues, with the stated objective of moving up a gear on the world stage. Drawn into Group A, the South Koreans will face Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. On paper, an approachable draw, but it will require discipline and consistency to hope to reach the knockout stages.

Unsusprisingly, the group revolves around its star players. Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder Lee Kang-in is well represented among the selections. At 25 years old, he has established himself as one of the team’s key creative assets, alongside indispensable veterans such as Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan. The squad relies on a skilled blend of experience and youth, with many players competing in Europe, exemplified by Bayern Munich’s defender Kim Min-jae, a symbol of the team’s defensive solidity.

The full South Korea squad:

Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan HD FC), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors).

Defenders: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Cho Yu-min (Sharjah FC), Lee Han-beom (FC Midtjylland), Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang FC), Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon FC), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienne), Seol Young-woo (FK Crvena zvezda), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana Citizen FC).

Midfielders: Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic FC), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham City FC), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord Rotterdam), Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City FC), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD FC), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain).

Forwards: Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş), Son Heung-min (Los Angeles Football Club), Cho Gue-sung (FC Midtjylland).