With just three months remaining until the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, South Korea’s national football team is experiencing a surge of new energy. The return of Yang Hyun-jun (24, Celtic), who has rediscovered his form in Scotland, signals a renewed competitive edge within the squad. Manager Hong Myung-bo announced a 27-man roster on March 16th for upcoming friendly matches, setting the stage for a final evaluation period before the tournament.
The squad will face Côte d’Ivoire in London on March 28th, followed by a match against Austria in Vienna on April 1st. These games represent a crucial opportunity for Hong Myung-bo to refine his tactics and assess player readiness ahead of the World Cup. The majority of players from the November roster were retained, with only four changes made, indicating a focus on continuity and building upon existing strengths.
Yang Hyun-jun’s Resurgent Form Earns Recall
Yang Hyun-jun’s inclusion is arguably the most significant development in the squad announcement. Having last represented South Korea in June of last year, the winger has forced his way back into contention with a remarkable run of form for Celtic. Since December, he has scored six goals, including a recent brace against Motherwell, demonstrating a confidence and sharpness that has impressed Manager Hong. “He’s maintaining a better level of performance than when we previously tested him,” Hong stated, according to Korea Daily. “He’s confident after scoring a brace in one game. Given his current momentum, it was natural to include him in the team. His arrival will likely create changes in the right-side dynamic.”
Competition Heats Up on the Right Wing
The right wing position, previously held by Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), is now set to be a hotly contested battle. While Lee Jae-sung offers smooth attacking link-up play, he has sometimes lacked explosive power. Adding to the competition, Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), who can play on both flanks, has been hampered by recent injuries at his club. Yang Hyun-jun’s emergence adds another layer of complexity to the selection process. The versatile player is as well capable of playing as a right-sided wing-back, a role he successfully fulfilled in a previous managerial setup, as noted by Hong Myung-bo. “He played well as a wing-back under the previous manager,” Hong explained. “We haven’t definitively decided whether to use a back four or a back three in these matches. It will depend on the players and the opponent.”
Hong Hyun-seok Adds Midfield Depth
In midfield, Hong Hyun-seok (27, Gent) provides another potential boost to the team. After a challenging stint with Nantes in France, where he made only six appearances last year, Hong Hyun-seok has found renewed success at Gent in the Belgian Jupiler League. He has steadily increased his playing time and is now back in contention for a national team spot after a year and four months. Hong Myung-bo highlighted his progress, stating, “Hong Hyun-seok has consistently increased his playing time and has been playing over 60 minutes in recent matches. He’s capable of playing both as a central midfielder and a winger.”
The team is scheduled to depart from Incheon Airport for London on March 23rd. Overseas players, including Son Heung-min (LAFC) and Oh Hyun-kyu (Besiktas), will join the squad locally in England.
What to Watch For
The upcoming matches against Côte d’Ivoire and Austria will be critical for Hong Myung-bo to finalize his squad and tactical approach for the 2026 World Cup. The return of Yang Hyun-jun injects a new dimension into the attack, and the competition for places across the pitch is sure to be fierce. Fans will be closely watching to see how Hong Myung-bo integrates the returning players and whether he opts for a back four or back three formation. The performances in these friendly matches will undoubtedly shape the final 26-man roster for the tournament.
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