Son Heung-min, captain of the national soccer team, returns to the national team after two months. On the 4th, coach Hong Myung-bo of the national soccer team announced the list of 26 players who will participate in the two-game series of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup 2026 North and Central America World Cup Asian Region 3rd Round Qualifiers this month at the Soccer Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Son Heung-min, who injured his left thigh during a UEFA Europa League match in September, was not included in the national team roster for the two-game series against Jordan (visiting) and Iraq (home) last month. Son Heung-min, who had missed three consecutive games recently, started in the English Premier League (EPL) match against Aston Villa on the 3rd but was substituted in the 11th minute of the second half.
Coach Hong said, “We have all confirmed that Son Heung-min is back on the pitch. However, I think the national team should also pay close attention to Son Heung-min’s playing time in games. “We will have to pay close attention to see how much playing time he can increase at Tottenham before being called up to the national team,” he said. He continued, “It is not desirable to come to the national team and put undue pressure on someone just because they played for their own team. “We are keeping the possibility open and preparing other options,” he added. Hwang Hee-chan, who left the team due to injury during the October preliminary round, was not included in this list.
Korea will play a two-game series against Kuwait on the 14th of this month and Palestine on the 19th. Due to the war between Israel and the Palestinian armed group Hamas, the Palestine match will be played at the Amman International Stadium in Jordan. Korea is currently leading among the 6 teams in Group B with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 10 points. Kuwait ranks 5th and Palestine ranks 6th. Domestic players will convene at Incheon International Airport on the 10th and depart for Kuwait on the 11th. Overseas groups join locally.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Soccer Expert Dr. Lee Min-ho
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Lee! It’s great to have you with us to discuss the recent developments concerning Son Heung-min and the national soccer team.
Dr. Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to talk about soccer, especially when it involves a player like Son Heung-min.
Editor: Absolutely! So, Son has made his return to the national team after a two-month absence due to a left thigh injury. How significant is his comeback for the team?
Dr. Lee: Son Heung-min is not just a key player; he’s the captain and a major influence in the locker room. His return brings a strong spark to the team’s morale and provides them with the experience and skill that are crucial in competitive qualifiers like the ones coming up against Jordan and Iraq.
Editor: Coach Hong Myung-bo mentioned that they need to monitor Son’s playing time carefully. What challenges do you think this raises for the coaching staff?
Dr. Lee: That’s a very valid point. Injuries can be tricky, especially for a player who plays in such an intense league like the Premier League. The coaching staff must strike a balance; they need to ensure Son is fit and in form without overloading him. It’s important to remember that while he’s crucial for the team, his health must come first to avoid further injury.
Editor: Speaking of balance, how do you feel about the strategy of preparing additional options in case Son isn’t at his best?
Dr. Lee: I think that’s a wise decision. Soccer is a team sport, and relying solely on one player can lead to problems if that player can’t perform at their peak. Adding depth to the squad shows a forward-thinking approach. It allows the coach to adapt tactics on the field depending on player fitness and conditions. The inclusion of players who can step up when needed enhances team resilience.
Editor: Speaking of players stepping up, what are your thoughts on Hwang Hee-chan’s absence due to injury? How essential is it for the team to cope without both him and Son?
Dr. Lee: Hwang Hee-chan has been a solid performer, and his absence is undoubtedly felt. However, challenges like this often create opportunities for other players to shine. The national team has a wealth of talent, so it will be a test of how well they can adapt. This situation also highlights the necessity of having a strong bench—a point that Coach Hong should consider carefully moving forward.
Editor: With the qualifiers approaching, what do you think the national team needs to focus on to secure their position for the World Cup?
Dr. Lee: Preparation in training is crucial, particularly in terms of maintaining fitness and developing tactics that leverage the strengths of the available players. They need to find a balance between attacking play, which Son thrives in, and a solid defensive strategy to tackle teams like Jordan and Iraq. Team chemistry, especially with new faces stepping up, will be vital in these matches.
Editor: That’s a great insight, Dr. Lee. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today. We’re looking forward to seeing how the national team performs in the upcoming qualifiers!
Dr. Lee: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important soccer developments. I’m excited to see what unfolds in the matches ahead!