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Son Heung‑min Leads South Korea as 2026 World Cup Captain

BBC Sport Football •
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South Korea’s national squad has announced its roster for the 2026 World Cup, with striker Son Heung‑min named captain. The 31‑year‑old, now playing for LAFC, will lead the squad on home soil. The decision follows his stellar displays at club and international level, cementing his status as the country’s talisman for the upcoming tournament.

Goalkeepers include Jo Hyeon‑woo of Ulsan and Kim Seung‑gyu from FC Tokyo, while defenders feature Kim Min‑jae of Bayern Munich and Kim Tae‑hyun of Kashima Antlers. Midfielders such as Lee Kang‑in of Paris Saint‑Germain and Hwang In‑beom of Feyenoord round out the core. The lineup balances experience with emerging talent for the 2026 campaign.

Forward options include Son, Oh Hyeon‑gyu of Besiktas, and Cho Gue‑sung of Midtjylland. The squad’s depth allows South Korea to navigate the group’s challenges and aim for a deep run. Fans anticipate a mix of veteran leadership and youthful vigor as the team prepares for June fixtures in the 2026 World Cup today.

Son’s appointment as captain signals confidence in his leadership after guiding the team to a quarter‑final spot in 2018. With the World Cup set to return to Seoul, the spotlight will focus on how the squad balances seasoned stars with rising talent. The tournament promises a showcase of South Korea’s growing football pedigree today globally.