South Korea's World Cup 2026 Hopes Clouded by Tactical and Injury Concerns
South Korea are preparing for the 2026 World Cup with a series of friendly matches, but their path to the tournament has been far from smooth. Manager Hong Myung-bo faces significant challenges as the team aims to advance from Group A, which includes co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia.
Tactical Uncertainty
Throughout the qualifiers, Hong Myung-bo stuck rigidly to a back-four formation, only switching to a back three in the second half of the final match after qualification was secured. This late tactical shift leaves the team with limited preparation time and cohesion if they intend to start the tournament in a 3-4-3 formation. A key issue is the lack of wing-backs capable of performing at a high level. This scarcity has increased intrigue around Borussia Mönchengladbach's Jens Castrop, whose versatility allows him to play centrally or out wide, making him a potential wildcard in North America.
Hong attempted to ease concerns about his tactical approach in a recent interview with KBS. "It's difficult to rely on just one tactical approach," he said. "There's about a six-day break after the first match, so we can assess the strength of our next opponent and adapt our formation accordingly."
Key Players Struggling
Adding to the anxiety is the precarious state of the team's spine. Key figures such as Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang In-beom are battling injuries, erratic club form, or even being relegated to the bench. The situation is particularly dire in central midfield, where a string of injuries has ruled out several candidates. Hwang In-beom has spent much of the season struggling to find his rhythm after recurring physical setbacks.
Despite these issues, South Korea were strong in qualifying, going unbeaten in 16 matches and finishing six points ahead of Jordan in the second group stage. "Our first goal is to advance to the round of 32. After that, anything could happen," Hong said.
The Coach: Hong Myung-bo
South Korea's Qatar 2022 campaign was defined by an admirable brand of football, holding their own against Uruguay and orchestrating a dramatic victory over Portugal to reach the knockout rounds. However, the subsequent era has been one of administrative chaos. The appointment of Jürgen Klinsmann ended in complete failure, with the German lasting less than a year. Hong Myung-bo then took over, starting with a whirlwind of selection controversies. Hong is one of the country's greatest footballing figures, but he operates without the vital support of the media or public. He previously managed South Korea at the 2014 World Cup, which ended without a win. Can he exorcise those ghosts in North America? The outlook remains bleak.
Star Player: Son Heung-min
Son Heung-min is perhaps the most universally adored figure in South Korean sports history. His achievements include a Premier League Golden Boot and captaining a Europa League-winning side. Yet, for all his individual brilliance, a major international trophy remains absent. That won't change in North America, but the country still hopes he can shed his recent troubles at LAFC and find redemption on the world stage once more.
One to Watch: Oh Hyeon-gyu
If 2022 was the year of Cho Gue-sung, 2026 surely belongs to Oh Hyeon-gyu. Last year, he was set to join Stuttgart for £24m, but the Bundesliga club pulled out due to concerns over an old knee injury. "I have not had any problems with my knees since high school," said the former Celtic striker, who joined Besiktas in January instead. Oh has maintained a rich vein of form in Turkey, positioning himself as a formidable challenger to Son for the starting striker role.
Unsung Hero: Lee Jae-sung
To label a player with more than 100 caps as an unsung hero may seem contradictory, but Lee Jae-sung's immense contribution has often been overshadowed by more glamorous names. Regardless of who is in charge, Lee is a permanent fixture on the teamsheet – a tenacious, cerebral presence who balances attacking flair with defensive grit. Having only recently returned from a lengthy injury layoff, the 33-year-old is preparing to ignite one final flame alongside his lifelong peer, Son.
Probable Starting XI
Illustration: Guardian
What to Expect from the Fans
Mexico remains a world away, not just geographically, but emotionally. Despite the staggering popularity of BTS across the region, the likelihood of South Korean fans making the arduous pilgrimage is slim. This reluctance reflects a fractured relationship; neither the KFA nor Hong can inspire the devotion required for such a journey.
Relationship with the US/Trump
In his first term as president, Trump often talked about Korea. His pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize made him surprisingly amicable toward the then-leaders of the North and South, earning him a peculiar brand of popularity in Seoul. His second term, however, has struck a different chord. A public once intrigued is now fatigued by a tenure defined by tariffs and erratic foreign policy. Reports suggesting his administration pushed for Italy to replace Iran in the World Cup have only cemented his image as a reckless disruptor in the eyes of the Korean public.
Written by Seo Hyung-wook for Footballist
