Coach Hong Myung-bo, who is gathering 28 players for a 'large-scale' selection, reportedly struggled greatly in assembling this roster.

On the 10th, Coach Hong Myung-bo announced the list of 24 players for the two matches of the final Asian qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, which will be held in March, at the Korea Football Association headquarters in Jongno, Seoul.

South Korea will face Oman in the 7th match of the third round of qualifiers at Goyang Sports Complex on the 20th and then Jordan in the 8th match at the Suwon World Cup Stadium on the 25th.

South Korea, which is in Group B, is at the top of the group with 4 wins, 2 draws, and 14 points. Iraq is in second place (11 points), and Jordan is in third place (9 points).

Tickets for direct qualification to the finals will be given to the top two teams from each group in the third round of qualifiers.

If South Korea wins both matches in March, it will secure its 11th consecutive qualification for the World Cup, regardless of the results against Iraq and Kuwait in June.

South Korea's FIFA ranking is 23rd. Oman is ranked 80th, and Jordan is ranked 64th. The analysis suggests that South Korea has an advantage in objective strength, and given that these two matches are being held at home, the likelihood of victory is high.

Previously, South Korea met both teams away, defeating Oman 3-1 and Jordan 2-0.

▲Background for selecting 28 players

Soccer has started again. Many fans are cheering for K League teams as the season kicks off. This player selection process was not easy. I spent a month visiting Europe to observe players' matches and discuss. However, many players at that time were not getting enough playing opportunities. There were many concerns as I met them in person. Although their performance was not bad, the lack of playing time made it difficult to be cautious in selections. Some players missed games due to injury issues or coaching changes. After the K League started, it was impressive to see that the players maintained their condition compared to their European counterparts.

If I had not visited Europe, I would have simply had to base my selections on articles. However, by verifying in person, I was able to see what kind of competition the players were facing, whether they were performing well, or if they were hindered by injuries. Although this process was challenging and difficult, I invested enough time to make careful decisions. K League players have been competing in cold weather, making it tough to maintain optimal condition. I evaluated players' physical condition and performance compared to last year. This time, I selected more players than in previous years. Considering overall condition and competitiveness, the situation is positive.

Although two matches are scheduled, there is a possibility that six key players will miss due to accumulated yellow cards. If a player receives a yellow card in the first match, they will be unable to participate in the second match. I have prepared the list considering the possible alternative players.

Goalkeeper Kim Dong-heon has watched three matches since the season started. He wasn’t a candidate last year, but he has shown the most stable performance at the beginning of this season. Jo Hyun-woo has recovered from injury and participated in recent matches. Communication has been ongoing to check his condition, and the selection principle remains unchanged. He also stated that there are no issues with his condition, and his club has confirmed there are no problems. Lee Chang-geun is currently a key player for Daejeon, so I included him in the roster. Other candidates were considered, but it was determined that they faced relatively significant difficulties in performance.

In the defense line, players who are active in the Middle East have been consistently participating. Kim Min-jae has Achilles tendon pain but continues to play for his team, Bayern Munich. It is simply not an option to bench Kim Min-jae, so he continues to participate in matches. There may be difficulties, but Kim Min-jae is approaching games positively.

There were many concerns in the full-back position. I had to select replacements after a regular starter from September to November last year left. Hwang Jae-won has previous experience with the national team. Jo Hyun-taek has been selected for the first time. There is experience from playing together at Ulsan. Looking at recent performances, there has been clear growth. His crossing ability has also improved. He received good reviews among left-backs. Lee Tae-seok displayed stable performance at Pohang. Seol Young-woo had to be considered for yellow card accumulation risk and physical burden, while Hwang Jae-won was deemed the best option offensively. There was an evaluation that it would be better to maintain existing players from a defensive organization perspective.

The midfielders' performance had not been good until January, but their condition has improved recently. Yang Hyun-jun and Yang Min-hyeok are typical examples. I directly watched Yang Hyun-jun’s matches, where he performed various roles within the team. While he had not many playing opportunities at that time, it was considered that it was an internally challenging situation. Subsequently, his performance improved. Although his playing time is unlikely to increase significantly going forward, the ability to make an impact in a short amount of time is positive.

Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang In-beom were injured. Following discussions with the team, Hwang In-beom is expected to return for the weekend match. Hwang Hee-chan also participated in some time during the last match. Since there are many young players, it is expected that they will help keep things balanced.

Three players were selected for the forward position. Joo Min-gyu currently leads the K League in scoring. He has maintained a performance similar to last year. Oh Hyun-kyu scored after returning from injury. Oh Se-hun has not scored, but he showed strong performances in aerial duels. I recently saw him and he succeeds almost 100% of the time. Depending on the strategy, who will start will be decided after the roster announcement. This selection process was not easy.

▲Background for selecting Yang Min-hyeok

I was unable to meet him when I went in January. At that time, Yang Min-hyeok was training with Tottenham but not participating in matches. I couldn’t watch his games then, but I have been observing Yang Min-hyeok since he joined Queens Park Rangers when in Korea. I’m not sure if he is perfectly fulfilling the role the team desires, but his quick movements were not bad. It would be good if Yang Min-hyeok, who could become a key player for Korean soccer, comes into the national team, raises his value, and understands the direction of the team well, so I selected him this time.

▲There is only one K League midfielder. What level of competitiveness is needed to be included in the national team?

I have continuously observed the changes in K League players, and there were differences compared to last year. There seemed to be an increase in unnecessary movements and ball touches. Confidence is an important factor with the national team, but some players tend to focus on off-field aspects. In terms of performance, it was not at the highest level. However, with continual improvement, there is a possibility of joining the national team at any time.

▲Regarding Jens Castrop, who may naturalize?

I directly observed the matches of naturalized players in Europe, and the coaching staff briefly spoke with his mother as well. However, there are many complicated elements to approach this solely based on performance. This is not an issue that can be solved in the short term. It is a concern being prepared for the long term.

▲The injury status of Jo Gyu-seong

We are closely monitoring Jo Gyu-seong. Communication has been ongoing. However, currently, he is not in a situation to participate in matches.

▲The possibility of early qualification for the finals

This is the most ideal scenario. However, not everything can go as planned. We will do our best to prepare. I will help the players focus on the matches without feeling burdened. Since unexpected results can occur, we plan to approach this cautiously.

▲Expectations for the two matches

There are many young attacking resources. I expect them to display an offensive and proactive demeanor. Mistakes may happen, but maintaining a spirit of not giving up is important. Experienced players such as Lee Jae-sung and Son Heung-min will balance the team. I hope they have the confidence to showcase their skills well in the national team.

▲The turf issue at Seoul World Cup Stadium

One of the most important factors affecting match performance is the condition of the turf. It impacts technical and tactical aspects. Matches will be held in Suwon and Goyang. I hope that those involved will pay more attention.

▲Son Heung-min's playing management and role in the national team

Although Son Heung-min currently plays fewer matches and scores less than before, we must not forget what he has done until now. This applies to the national team as well as to Tottenham. If Son Heung-min joins, there will be good communication.

Son Heung-min is an experienced player, so he will manage himself well. We need to distinguish between club and national team responsibilities. Son Heung-min's role in the national team remains important.

[OSEN]