'Bull' Hwang Hee-chan (29, Wolverhampton) has made a comeback to the national team.
The South Korean football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo (56), drew 1-1 with Oman in the 7th match of Group B of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian Qualifiers held at Goyang Stadium on the evening of the 20th.
South Korea recorded 15 points (5 wins, 3 draws) and maintained a somewhat shaky first place in Group B. South Korea could have confirmed its entry into the World Cup finals early if it had defeated Oman and Jordan. However, the shocking draw against Oman delayed its advancement to the finals.
There were also gains. Hwang Hee-chan made a comeback. In the 41st minute of the first half, Lee Kang-in delivered a sharp pass. Hwang Hee-chan, who received the ball from Chonbang, finished with a decisive first goal without error. Hwang Hee-chan celebrated with a salute.
Hwang Hee-chan, who had been struggling at Wolverhampton, has fired the starting shot for his revival. Hwang Hee-chan has participated in 18 league matches this season, but has only started 5 times. Even then, he was substituted before playing full time in 4 of those matches. Hwang Hee-chan has only scored 2 goals this season, significantly less than the 12 goals from last season.
Hwang Hee-chan injured his Achilles tendon in the Blackburn match and missed four consecutive games afterward. He was included in the substitution list for the first time after returning in the Bournemouth match but did not play. Hwang Hee-chan made his return after a month in the Everton match.
British media have also turned their back. 'Football Fan Cast' noted, 'This season, Hwang Hee-chan appears to lack confidence in front of the goal. The injury-prone Hwang Hee-chan has not played for 55 days this season. He has spent more time in the physical therapy room. Hwang Hee-chan has been ineffective with only 2 goals in 17 matches, which contrasts sharply with his impressive 13 goals last season. He is struggling to score this season.'
Hwang Hee-chan, who scored a goal for the national team, has reached a turning point. The official Wolverhampton website described, 'It was a historic day for Wolverhampton. All three players called to the national team scored goals. Hwang Hee-chan scored against Oman. Zimbabwe captain Marshall Munetsi scored the second goal. Matt Doherty provided a winning header for Ireland against Bulgaria.'
In particular, regarding Hwang Hee-chan, it was detailed: 'Hwang Hee-chan scored the opening goal against Oman. Receiving a pass from Lee Kang-in, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Hwang Hee-chan finished after a quick touch. Hwang Hee-chan played for 63 minutes before being substituted. South Korea could not secure the win, conceding an equalizer.'
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