Due to injuries to Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) and others, the Hong Myung-bo team has been reduced to a 25-player roster.
The South Korean national football team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo (56), will face Jordan on the 25th in the '8th match of Group B in the third qualifying round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America' at Suwon World Cup Stadium.
South Korea drew 1-1 against Oman on the 20th, failing to protect Hwang Hee-chan's opening goal. South Korea is maintaining a somewhat precarious first place in Group B with 15 points (5 wins, 3 draws).
If South Korea can defeat Oman and Jordan, they could secure early advancement to the World Cup finals. However, the shock draw against Oman has delayed their qualification.
Injury alerts have sounded for the South Korean national team. Kim Min-jae, who had already been called up, was replaced by Kim Joo-sung due to a serious hamstring injury at Bayern Munich. Hwang In-beom has also been selected, but is not in good physical condition. Additionally, Jung Seung-hyun was unable to play against Oman due to a thigh injury.
Injuries are continuing to emerge. Lee Kang-in and Baek Seung-ho are also injured. In the 38th minute of the first half against Oman, Baek Seung-ho was substituted due to a left hamstring injury. Lee Kang-in, who was brought in as a substitute, suffered an ankle injury in the 34th minute of the second half.
As a result of injuries, all three players, including Jung Seung-hyun, who hurt his left calf, were released from the squad on the 22nd. They will receive treatment domestically and return to their clubs.
The Hong Myung-bo team conducted recovery and tactical training at Yongin Mirae Stadium on the 22nd. Despite the shock draw against Oman, the atmosphere among the players was bright. With two matches being held at home in a row, they are determined to win against Jordan.
Lee Kang-in and Baek Seung-ho, who were injured in the match against Oman, along with Jung Seung-hyun, were confirmed to be released from the squad on the 22nd. Coach Hong Myung-bo noted, "I thought Lee Kang-in's injury would be serious, but the results of the examination yesterday showed it is less severe than expected. After today's meeting, I confirmed their approach and mindset regarding the national team. Considering they are important players for their clubs, we decided to release the three players from the squad. The preparations for the match against Jordan will be made with the remaining 25 players. There will be no call-ups of substitute players."
The team came out to the field at 4 p.m. Eleven players, including Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan, who played a lot in the match against Oman, lightly jogged around the field to adjust their condition. Afterward, the players began stretching.
The remaining 14 players started with high-intensity stretching and then immediately worked with the ball. Coach Hong Myung-bo instructed the players who played a lot in the Oman match to focus on recovery. Those who did not play much were in good condition to participate immediately in the Jordan match.
A Korea Football Association official confirmed, "Lee Kang-in, Baek Seung-ho, and Jung Seung-hyun plan to return home first and focus on treatment domestically. Their travel plans will be decided freely in consultation with their respective clubs. All three players do not have serious injuries, with an expected recovery time of about two weeks."
Lee Kang-in is unavailable and Hwang In-beom is also not in normal condition. Kim Min-jae and Jung Seung-hyun are also absent. The national team is in need of significant player changes in midfield and defense.
Coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "I anticipated the participation of new players in the last match against Oman. Suddenly, Baek Seung-ho's injury and Lee Kang-in's quick substitution disrupted the (plan). The new young players are experiencing difficulties due to time zone differences after coming from Europe to Korea. I am also preparing to incorporate the new players at any time."
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