South Korea's captain, Son Heung-min, is set to lead his nation at a fourth World Cup this summer, marking another milestone in a storied career. The 33-year-old forward, who left Tottenham Hotspur last year and now plays for Major League Soccer side Los Angeles FC, has been named to the squad by coach Hong Myung-bo.
Son brings a wealth of experience to a team that mixes seasoned veterans with emerging talent. The South Korea lineup also features Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan and a contingent of British-based midfielders, including Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham City), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), and Swansea City's Eom Ji-sung. Defensive strength comes from Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae and German-born Jens Castrop of Borussia Mönchengladbach, while Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in adds creative flair.
South Korea's World Cup journey begins on June 12 against the Czech Republic, followed by a clash with co-hosts Mexico on June 19—both matches in Guadalajara. They round out Group A play against South Africa on June 25 in Monterrey. With a blend of seasoned stars and rising prospects, the Taeguk Warriors aim to make a deep run in the tournament.
The full squad includes goalkeepers Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), and Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk); defenders Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Kim Tae-hyon (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seob (Zhejiang), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Wien), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), and Cho Yu-min (Sharjah); midfielders Kim Jin-gyu (Jeonbuk), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Eom Ji-sung (Swansea), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), and Hwang Hee-chan (Wolves); and forwards Son Heung-min (LAFC), Oh Hyeon-gyu (Beşiktaş), and Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland).