Returning from injury, Hwang In-beom (29, Feyenoord) is expected to play against Jordan.

The national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo (56), will face Jordan in the '2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America Asian Region Qualifiers Group B Match 8' at Suwon World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 25th.

South Korea drew 1-1 against Oman on the 20th, failing to hold on to the lead from Hwang Hee-chan's first goal. South Korea has recorded 15 points (5 wins, 3 draws), maintaining a somewhat precarious first place in Group B, just 3 points ahead of second-place Jordan.

If South Korea had defeated Oman and Jordan, they could have secured their qualification for the World Cup early. However, the shock draw against Oman has delayed their advance to the finals.

Worse than the draw is the injury to Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, Baek Seung-ho, and Jeong Seung-hyun. Baek Seung-ho was substituted with a left hamstring injury in the 38th minute of the first half against Oman. Lee Kang-in, who was introduced as his replacement, also suffered an ankle injury in the 34th minute of the second half. Jeong Seung-hyun, who injured his left calf, along with the three players, were ultimately released from the squad on the 22nd. The three will receive treatment domestically before returning to their respective clubs.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo will prepare for the match against Jordan with the remaining 25 players. Below is a Q&A session with coach Hong Myung-bo.

- How did you prepare for the match against Jordan?

▲ The national disaster situation is serious. I hope the wildfires are extinguished quickly. The national team will also finish the match with a victory to provide strength tomorrow.

It's the second match after completing the first game tomorrow. Let's wrap it up well; the players have improved since the first match. Their condition has gotten much better. We will perform well with good gameplay tomorrow.

- You allowed Al Tamari 1 goal and 1 assist in the Asian Cup; what is your plan to stop him tomorrow?

▲ He did not play in the last match. The skill he possesses is very good. I shared the movements of that player with the team during the last Asian Cup match. I will finalize our preparations today. He is a good player and a threatening player.

- Given the injuries, changes to the squad are inevitable?

▲ It is natural to have other players come in due to injuries. There are several good players. We cannot ignore our organization. We will prepare for the match while maintaining balance.

- What is the solution to Jordan's packed defense?

▲ We could not break their packed defense in the last match. There is a method to break it. It's a matter of time. I shared it with the players. I cannot predict if the opponent will play like they did in the last match, but the most important thing is how we play in any situation. Everyone must be aware and play intelligently.

- With Lee Kang-in absent, how will you utilize Son Heung-min?

▲ We scored due to positional changes in the last match. There were difficulties in defending. Lee Jae-sung's pressure was not effective. We are consistently thinking of methods.

- What is Hwang In-beom's physical condition?

▲ Hwang In-beom is in a slightly better condition than we expected. He is in a better state of health after communicating with the club. His will is strong. It is difficult to say he will be at 100% at this point. We will need to protect him at some point.

- What is the specific strategy for the match against Jordan?

▲ I cannot show you clearly, but we will utilize the prepared players. It needs to go as intended.

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