South Korea's football icon Son Heung-min is set to make history by heading to his fourth World Cup, following his official inclusion in the 26-man squad announced on Saturday. The 33-year-old forward, now plying his trade with Los Angeles FC after a storied stint at Tottenham Hotspur, brings a wealth of experience and star power to the Taeguk Warriors.
The squad selection also features some compelling storylines. Midfielder Hwang In-beom has earned a spot despite nursing an ankle injury, highlighting the team's depth and resilience. Meanwhile, Borussia Mönchengladbach's Jens Castrop, born in Germany to a South Korean mother, adds a fresh international flavor to the roster as he prepares for his first World Cup journey.
South Korea's campaign kicks off in Group A, with all matches set to take place in Mexico. The action begins on June 11 against the Czech Republic, followed by tough tests against host nation Mexico and South Africa. This challenging group will demand peak performance from Son and his teammates as they aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since 2010.
The complete 26-man squad showcases a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents:
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeon-woo, Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun
Defenders: Kim Min-jae, Cho Yu-min, Lee Han-beom, Kim Tae-hyeon, Park Jin-seob, Lee Gi-hyuk, Lee Tae-seok, Seol Young-woo, Jens Castrop, Kim Moon-hwan
Midfielders: Yang Hyun-jun, Paik Seung-ho, Hwang In-beom, Kim Jin-gyu, Bae Jun-ho, Eom Ji-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in
Forwards: Oh Hyeon-gyu, Son Heung-min, Cho Gue-sung
As the World Cup draws near, all eyes will be on Son Heung-min's leadership and the team's collective spirit. For fans gearing up to support the Taeguk Warriors, this is the perfect time to stock up on official South Korea gear and show your pride from the stands or at home!
