South Korea names 26-man squad for 2026 World Cup, led by Son Heung-min

South Korea on Saturday named its 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with forward Son Heung-min set for his fourth appearance at the tournament. The squad, announced by head coach Hong Myungbo in Seoul, will open its Group A campaign against Czechia on June 11 in Guadalajara, followed by matches against Mexico and South Africa, all played in Mexico.

Son, 33, now plays for Major League Soccer club Los Angeles FC after leaving Tottenham Hotspur following a decade in England. He was recalled as the team’s leading figure as South Korea prepares for its 11th consecutive World Cup, a streak that dates to 1986. South Korea’s World Cup record last time out included reaching the round of 16 in 2022, where it beat Portugal in the final group match before losing to five-time champion Brazil.

Hong’s squad mixes experience and new additions, including Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, both of whom were also part of the 2022 tournament. Besiktas forward Oh Hyeong-yu, who was on South Korea’s roster four years ago as a reserve and did not play, was named again as a forward option this year.

Midfielder Hwang In-beom was included despite...