The starting 11 for this year's first A-match has been revealed.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), will face Oman at 8 p.m. on the 20th at Goyang Stadium in Gyeonggi Province for the 7th match of Group B in the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifying.

South Korea is maintaining its position at the top of Group B with 14 points (4 wins, 2 draws). Iraq (11 points), Jordan (9 points), Oman (6 points), Kuwait (4 points), and Palestine (3 points) are trailing behind. The 1st and 2nd place teams from each group in the third round of qualifying will secure direct spots in the finals.

If South Korea wins both matches against Oman and Jordan, scheduled for the 25th, securing 6 points, it will early confirm its 11th consecutive World Cup qualification, regardless of the outcomes of the matches against Iraq and Kuwait in June.

South Korea's FIFA ranking is 23rd. Oman is ranked 80th, and Jordan is ranked 64th. Analysts suggest that South Korea is ahead in objective strength and, since this two-match series is being held at home, the chances of victory for Hong Myung-bo's team are substantial.

The national team, poised for its first step toward consecutive World Cup qualifications, announced its starting lineup before kickoff.

Hong Myung-bo's team will utilize a 4-3-3 formation. Son Heung-min, Ju Min-kyu, and Hwang Hee-chan will aim for goals at the front, with Baek Seung-ho, Park Yong-woo, and Lee Jae-sung in midfield. Lee Tae-seok, Jo Yu-min, Kwon Kyung-won, and Seol Young-woo will form the back line, and Jo Hyun-woo will guard the goal.

South Korea won 3-1 against Oman in the away match of the third round qualifiers held in Muscat, Oman, last September. At that time, Son Heung-min (Tottenham) played a significant role with 1 goal and 2 assists. The team is determined to dominate Oman at home as well.

The entire national team of 28 members conducted their final training before the match on the 19th, one day prior. A variable could be the absence of Kim Min-jae. Although the team is not expected to struggle due to the absence of one player, there is certain risk as they will have to field a new defensive combination.

Coach Hong Myung-bo noted in a press conference held on the 19th at Goyang Stadium, "Based on the analysis of the first match and other games, the attacking patterns will vary depending on how much pressure our players apply and where they apply it," and he said, "We are expecting long balls." Coach Hong anticipates that Oman will employ a strategy to quickly deliver the ball into the penalty box with medium to long passes and finish quickly.

Coach Hong emphasized, "It’s a time when changes in defense are necessary," stating that "how we combine players who have spent time together is a crucial factor."

Since Oman, which is facing the objectively stronger South Korea, is on the road, it is highly likely they will employ a strategy focused on compact defense and counterattacks. If they concede the first goal, the chances of scoring will be reduced.

Coach Hong Myung-bo said, "We discussed responses to direct balls and second balls with the players. There might be differences, but we have a model for when we apply pressure and when we don’t. We are paying close attention to this," assuring that they will be thoroughly prepared.

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