It seems that Lee Kang-in's (24, PSG) injury is more serious than expected.

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo (56), drew 1-1 against Oman in the 7th match of Group B in the third round of the 2026 FIFA North-Central American World Cup Asian qualifiers, held at the Goyang Sports Complex at 8 p.m. on the 20th.

With this result, South Korea maintained its position at the top of Group B with 15 points (4 wins, 3 draws).

This is a disappointing result. If South Korea had secured 3 points from the match against Oman and also won the game against Jordan on the 25th, they could have confirmed their qualification for the 11th consecutive World Cup finals in June, regardless of the matches against Iraq and Kuwait. However, due to the outcome of this match, they will have to wait until the June A matches.

In this match, South Korea used a 4-2-3-1 formation. Ju Min-kyu was positioned at the front, while Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang Hee-chan formed the second line of attack. Baek Seung-ho and Park Yong-woo protected the backline, while Lee Tae-seok, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Yoo-min, and Seol Young-woo formed the defensive line. The goal was defended by Jo Hyun-woo.

Oman also deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation. Isaam Al Sabhi aimed for a goal, with Abdul Al Masefari, Ali Al Busaidi, and Yamil Al Yahmadi forming the second line of attack. Abdullah Fawaz and Said Al Alawi filled the midfield, while Al Roushaidi, Khalid Al Buraiki, Ahmed Al Kamisi, and Abdullah Al Harthy formed the backline. The goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Ibrahim Al Mukaini.

In the 41st minute of the first half, Hwang Hee-chan scored the opening goal with a calm shot after receiving a pass from Lee Kang-in, taking a 1-0 lead. However, in the 35th minute of the second half, they allowed an equalizer by Al Busaidi, leveling the game.

South Korea continued to seek goals until the added time of the second half, but ultimately ended the match in a 1-1 draw without additional scoring. As a result of this match, even if South Korea wins against Jordan on the 25th, they will not be able to confirm their qualification for the finals until the June A matches.

There were also injury setbacks during the match. Baek Seung-ho was substituted due to an injury in the 38th minute of the first half, and in the 38th minute of the second half, Lee Kang-in complained of pain and had to be carried off by staff as he could not walk on his own. South Korea used their substitution cards until the end of the second half in an effort to secure a victory, but had to accept a disappointing result without a decisive goal.

While not winning is disappointing, the injuries to key players are a serious issue. Hwang In-beom, the key midfielder, missed the match against Oman due to poor condition, and head coach Hong Myung-bo noted, "If he was pushed, he could have participated, but he was excluded for player protection purposes. The decision on whether he will play against Jordan will be made based on the situation."

Regarding Lee Kang-in, head coach Hong Myung-bo said, "He had one training session after arriving in Korea and played in the match. Due to Baek Seung-ho's injury, his playing time was moved up earlier than planned," indicating that it was an early appearance without proper preparation.

Lee Kang-in was also seen in the mixed zone as players left the stadium after the match. He relied on the staff for support while using crutches on his way home, with ice applied to his injured left ankle.

Son Heung-min expressed his sadness about the injury, saying, "Regardless of the match result, it hurts so much as a teammate and friend to see a player get injured. I don’t know the outcome, but I hope it’s not a serious injury."

Baek Seung-ho also commented, "When the weight goes onto it, the grass comes up, and it felt hard while playing. I heard it’s the best pitch in Korea. It feels like an excuse and it's regrettable in many ways. If managed well, the players can show good performance. It can also prevent injuries. I felt regret in that regard."

Head coach Hong Myung-bo expressed concern, stating, "There is an ankle injury. More details will be known after visiting the hospital tomorrow (21st). The injury needs to be monitored further."

[OSEN]