Attention is focused ahead of the World Cup. At the center are two key assets of the Korea national team.
On the 11th (Korean time), Mexico's SoyFutbol ran a piece titled "10 superstars who will play at the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup in Mexico — which players will you see in front of you?" selecting the main players expected to brighten the tournament. With all the teams qualified for the finals now decided, the local atmosphere has become even more heated, and it pinpointed the notable figures to watch in detail.
The outlet summarized points of interest for watching the tournament centered on players who represent each country's strength. While core assets from European and South American powerhouses were included, the presence of Korean players stood out in Asia.
Notably, the names Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in were both included, which stands out. Other Asian countries were also mentioned, but it is meaningful that the two pillars of the Korea national team were emphasized on the basis of individual players.
The national team will compete in Group A against Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa. The group stage matches are also scheduled to take place in major Mexican cities, offering many opportunities to meet local fans in person.
The outlet also drew attention to the style of the Korea national team, describing the team's color as "the elegance of Asia that will adorn Monterrey and Mexico City."
It went on to assess that "the Republic of Korea national team will inject tremendous energy into local stadiums with its distinctive dynamism."
Expectations for individual players continued. About Son Heung-min, it said, "Son Heung-min, the 'legend' who has reigned as the absolute icon of Asian football for the past 10 years, is one of the visitors that football fans around the world most eagerly await to see in person." This evaluation reflects the influence and symbolism he has built up over a long period.
Mention was also made of Lee Kang-in. The outlet said, "Alongside him, Lee Kang-in, the young Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), will also be put to the test," adding, "Lee Kang-in is fully prepared to completely captivate Mexican fans with his distinctive flashy skills and wide vision that have made him a core of the French giant."
Ultimately, the Korea national team is expected to carry out its attacking play centered on the two players. A structure combining experience and creativity is likely to be an important factor in this tournament as well.
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