South Korea World Cup 2026 Squad — All 26 Players Named by Hong Myung-bo

Son Heung-min at 34 — still the one they need

Son Heung-min moved to LA FC in MLS after his time at Tottenham Hotspur came to an end. He is 34 years old. And he is still by far the most important player in this South Korea squad. His fourth World Cup. The captain. The player every opponent game-plans around. What Son gives this squad goes beyond goals and assists — it is the belief that comes from having a player of that calibre wearing the captain's armband. Experience at this level is irreplaceable and Son has more of it than anyone else in this group.

Kim Min-jae — one of the best centre backs in the world

Kim Min-jae plays for Bayern Munich and is genuinely one of the top centre backs in world football. At 28 he is at the peak of his powers. He brings not just individual quality but an organisational presence that transforms how South Korea defend as a unit. Opponents looking for easy goals against South Korea will find the task considerably harder once they run into Kim Min-jae. He is the defensive foundation everything else is built on.

Lee Kang-in at PSG — South Korea's most exciting player of the next generation

Lee Kang-in is 23 and plays for PSG. He has established himself at one of the biggest clubs in European football after developing his game in Spain at Valencia and Mallorca. Technical, creative and comfortable on the ball in tight spaces — he is the player who makes South Korea tick in the final third when they have possession. He is also the clearest sign that South Korean football is in a healthy place and will remain competitive well beyond Son's international career.

South Korea always punch above their weight

The 2002 World Cup semi-final on home soil is the most obvious example. But South Korea have consistently performed above what their ranking and resources would suggest at World Cups. They are organised, disciplined and impossible to underestimate once they are in the tournament. There is always a moment — a big save, an unlikely goal, a tactical masterstroke — that makes the world take notice. Hong Myung-bo will be hoping this tournament produces its own version of that.

Group G — difficult but not impossible

South Korea are in Group G. With Son and Kim Min-jae leading the side, they are never going into any game without a genuine chance. South Korea at their best are hard to break down and capable of scoring against anyone. The knockout rounds have historically been where they have shown their best football. Getting to that stage from Group G will require every player performing at the top of their ability from the first minute of the first game.

Who is in South Korea's World Cup 2026 squad?

Hong Myung-bo named a 26-man South Korea squad for World Cup 2026. Son Heung-min captains the side. Kim Min-jae anchors the defence. Lee Kang-in at PSG is the most creative force in midfield. The squad blends domestic Korean players with a strong contingent based in European football.

Is Son Heung-min in South Korea's World Cup 2026 squad?

Yes. Son Heung-min is 34 and now plays for LA FC in MLS. He captains South Korea into his fourth World Cup. He remains the squad's most important player by a significant margin.

Who is South Korea's captain at World Cup 2026?

Son Heung-min is South Korea's captain at World Cup 2026. He is 34 years old and playing his fourth World Cup, having previously captained the side at 2022 in Qatar.

What group are South Korea in at World Cup 2026?

South Korea are in Group G at World Cup 2026. With Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae in the squad, they always have a chance regardless of the opposition. South Korea have historically punched above their weight at World Cups.