South Korea announce 26-man squad for FIFA World Cup 2026 ft. Son Heung-min
This could be Captain Son’s last dance in World Cup for the Taegeuk Warriors
One of the legendary football players in South Korean history, Heung-Min Son, is all set to captain the Taegeuk Warriors in his fourth World Cup appearance, and it could be his last dance in the biggest event of mankind.
Ever since 1986, South Korea have qualified for the FIFA World Cup and have made it to the knockout stages twice in the last four editions. They are led by South Korean gaffer Myung-Bo Hong, who has formerly led teams like Ulsan Hyundai FC and Zhejiang Professional.
South Korea have been drawn alongside hosts Mexico, Czechia and South Africa in Group A and are one of the favourites to make it to the knockout stages from this group.
The Taeguk Warriors have shocked big teams previously in the World Cup. From beating Portugal in 2022 to knocking out defending champions Germany in 2018 to finishing fourth in the 2002 FIFA World Cup after defeating Italy and Spain in the knockout round.
Some players in the South Korean squad compete in top European leagues, like Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain and Jens Castrop of Borussia Monchengladbach. The squad is a perfect mix of experience and youth flair.
South Korea’s official squad for FIFA World Cup 2026
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 Wien), Seol Young-woo (FK Crvena zvezda), Jens Castrop (Borussia Monchengladbach), 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 (Besiktas), Son Heung-min (Los Angeles FC), Cho Gue-sung (FC Midtjylland).
Coach – Myung-Bo Hong
Captain – Son Heung-min
South Korea’s group stage schedule for FIFA World Cup 2026
- 11 June, 22:00 local time – South Korea vs Czechia – Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara (Mexico)
- 18 June, 21:00 local time – Mexico vs South Korea – Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara (Mexico)
- 24 June, 21:00 local time – South Africa vs South Korea – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia (USA)
Which World Cup group are they placed in?
They are placed in Group A
When is Taeguk Warrior’s first game?
The first game is against Czechia on 11 June
Who are the biggest name in South Korea squad?
Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain and captain Son of LAFC
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In addition to writing articles on World and Indian Football, Saikat has also covered tournaments like the Durand Cup, Indian Super League, and Hockey India League. Notably, his exceptional communication skills have seen him interview legendary icons like Olympic 2024 gold medalist Yibbi Jansen, former Real Madrid player Javi Hernandez, and many more such sporting stalwarts.