Overview
Coach Hong Myung-bo is steadfast with the 4-defender system for most of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. Only until the final match after South Korea secured a ticket to the next round did he test the 3-center-back formation. However, changing tactics too late caused the team to fall into a state of lack of preparation time if they wanted to operate the 3-4-3 formation at the World Cup.
One of the biggest problems of this system is that South Korea lacks high-class full-backs. Therefore, Jens Castrop of Borussia Monchengladbach is receiving a lot of attention thanks to his flexible ability to play both centrally and on the wing. This versatility can turn him into an important tactical card of South Korea in North America.
In a recent interview, coach Hong Myung-bo admitted that he does not want the team to be dependent on a single tactical system: "It is very difficult to rely on a single tactic and I have experience with that. After the opening match, there will be about 6 days off for us to evaluate the next opponent and adjust our approach.
Despite being undefeated in all 16 qualifying matches and ending the group stage with a gap of 6 points more than Jordan, South Korea still entered the World Cup with many worries. A series of key players such as Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung or Hwang In-beom all had problems with fitness, form or lost positions at the club level.
The most worrying is the midfield area, where many options have been eliminated due to injuries. Hwang In-beom also experienced a difficult season due to continuous physical problems.
Being in the same group as Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic, South Korea is still considered to have a chance to compete for a ticket to the next round. However, Hong Myung-bo's immediate goal is still quite realistic.
Our first goal is to get through the group stage. After that, anything can happen" - he affirmed.
Coach
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar once marked a positive image of Korean football with an energetic playing style. They had a brave draw against Uruguay and dramatically defeated Portugal to win a ticket to the knockout round.
However, the subsequent period was full of fluctuations. The decision to appoint Jurgen Klinsmann by the Korean Football Association quickly failed when the German strategist only stayed in office for less than a year.
Hong Myung-bo's successor also could not avoid controversy, especially related to personnel decisions. Although he is a Korean football legend, he still faces a lot of pressure from the media and fans.
Hong once led South Korea at the 2014 World Cup but did not win any matches. Now, he is facing the opportunity to mend that unhappy memory, although their prospects in North America are still considered quite fragile.
Star
Son Heung-min is still the biggest symbol of modern Korean football. From the Premier League top scorer title to the Europa League championship as captain, Son has built a legendary position in the hearts of Korean fans.
Not many Korean players receive as much affection as him. However, at the national team level, Son has not yet been able to reach a major title.
His recent form at LAFC has also created no small worry ahead of the World Cup. However, with his class and experience, Son is still South Korea's biggest hope on the journey in North America.
Notable faces
If the 2022 World Cup is Cho Gue-sung's stage, then this World Cup could become Oh Hyeon-gyu's tournament.
The striker who used to wear the Celtic shirt almost joined Stuttgart for a fee of 24 million pounds last year, before the deal broke down due to concerns related to his knee.
After moving to Besiktas in January, this striker maintained very impressive form and is becoming a direct competitor to Son Heung-min for the highest position in the attack.
The silent hero
Lee Jae-sung may not possess the aura of Son Heung-min or Lee Kang-in, but he is still an extremely important link of the Korean national team for many years.
With more than 100 appearances for the national team, Lee always brings balance thanks to his pressing ability, defensive support and intelligent playing connection. Under any coach, he is always a trusted player.
After a long period of rest due to injury, the 33-year-old player is aiming for the World Cup, which may be the last in his international career, where he will continue to stand side by side with his close teammate Son Heung-min.
