Will Yang Min-hyeok (19, QPR) have the honor of playing alongside 'Captain' Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham)?
The national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will play against Oman on the 20th at Goyang Sports Complex in the '2026 North and Central America World Cup Asia Region Third Qualifying Round Match 7'. Korea will then have its eighth match against Jordan on the 25th at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
Korea, which is in Group B, is currently 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). If Korea wins both matches in this doubleheader, it will secure early qualification for the World Cup finals.
Since joining Tottenham officially in January and being loaned to QPR, Yang Min-hyeok has been selected for the national team. Last year, Yang scored 12 goals and provided 6 assists for Gangwon, earning a spot on the national team in September, but did not get a chance to play.
Recently, Yang Min-hyeok has solidified his position by being a starter for three consecutive matches at QPR. He has gained significant popularity, to the extent that QPR fans are purchasing his Korean jerseys.
Coach Hong Myung-bo included Yang Min-hyeok in the national team roster announced on the 10th. Hong noted, "I have been watching Yang Min-hyeok's performances at QPR. I'm not sure if he is fulfilling exactly what the team wants, but his momentary movements have not been bad," mentioning the reason for his selection.
Hong further explained, "I thought it would be good for Yang Min-hyeok, who could become a key player for (Korean football) in the future, to join the national team to enhance his value and understand the direction of the national team."
'Goal.com' has selected and announced the top 50 teenage prospects who will lead the next generation of the world's best footballers. Yang Min-hyeok is included among the Korean players, creating a huge buzz.
Yang Min-hyeok ranked 43rd overall. The media stated, "Yang Min-hyeok is a promising player who will lead Korean football after Son Heung-min. He joined Tottenham from Gangwon last January and is currently playing on loan at QPR."
Yang Min-hyeok is the third Korean player to be included in the top 50 prospects, following Lee Seung-woo in 2016 and Lee Kang-in in 2019 and 2020. Both Lee Seung-woo and Lee Kang-in were recognized for their potential on the European stage and were selected for the national team. Yang Min-hyeok is now following in their footsteps.
After joining Tottenham, Yang Min-hyeok did not play a single match. Coach Ange Postecoglou diagnosed that "Yang Min-hyeok came from the other side of the world. He needs time to adapt to the British stage," and thus did not have him play at all and sent him on loan to QPR.
Ultimately, Yang Min-hyeok postponed his hope of playing with "Hyung Son Heung-min" to the next opportunity. Instead, that dream can now be realized on the national team.
Currently, the main options for the national team are Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Hwang Hee-chan. However, all three players are not in 100% form with their clubs. Even if the three players start, if their condition is low, alternative players may be brought in. Young players who have succeeded in advancing to Europe, such as Yang Hyun-jun, Eom Ji-sung, and Yang Min-hyeok, as well as Bae Jun-ho, are always looking for playing opportunities.
Can Yang Min-hyeok realize his dream of making his A-match debut? Will he be able to coordinate with Son Heung-min? All answers will be revealed in Goyang.
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