South Korea men’s national football team interim manager Roberto Moreno announced a 26-player roster at the Korea Football Park in Cheonan for an upcoming two-match series of friendly fixtures in Qatar. The squad selection brings back captain Son Heung-min alongside defender Kim Min-jae, midfielder Hwang In-beom, and forward Hwang Hee-chan following weeks of reported internal discord stemming from the team’s September and October international matches.
Roberto Moreno Recalls Squad Core and Addresses Internal Friction
Addressing reporters during an extended opening statement, Moreno emphasized that team matters must be resolved internally while declining to disclose private conversations. Internal issues are resolved internally,
the manager stated, outlining core principles centered on mutual respect for shared time and prioritizing the collective over any individual player. Moreno maintained that Son Heung-min remains the captain, offering a blunt response when questioned about leadership changes.
🔴 Moreno backs Son as South Korea captain amid squad friction reportsCoach Robert Moreno retained Son Heung-min as captain for friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Qatar next month, despite reports of tension between the 34-year-old LAFC forward and senior teammates.Moreno… pic.twitter.com/wsJuG7Yl2L
— https://x.com/NewsTongueX/status/2115891695086612672
Roberto Moreno told SBS News that Son is the captain, and I have nothing more to say.
The return of the 1996-born players and the team captain signals an effort to stabilize the squad ahead of crucial continental preparations. Moreno maintained that all selected athletes possess the necessary performance level and willingness to commit to the national team. Not everyone views the mass recall as settled, however.
Fresh Faces Earn First Selections as Young Talent Rises
Shin, a 21-year-old product of Gangwon FC who wears the club’s number 47 shirt, recently captured a gold medal at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Standing 186 centimeters tall, the young defender expressed astonishment upon receiving the news.
Shin Min-ha told Xportsnews, I think it's a huge honor to be selected for the senior national team, which has been my goal. It's even more of an honor to be selected while playing for Gangwon FC.
He added, Since this is my first selection, I will work hard to try and shake off the nervousness.
The manager defended the inclusion of younger prospects by highlighting their potential impact on overall squad depth. Shin built his international credentials through steady appearances across youth categories, including the Asian Games where he contributed a header goal against Saudi Arabia. Alongside fellow Asian Games standouts Eom Ji-sung and Kim Ji-su, the rising center-back aims to translate his domestic form into international minutes.
Upcoming Middle East Fixtures and Squad Logistics
The national team will assemble in Incheon on November 8 before departing for Doha, Qatar, where they face Saudi Arabia on November 13 followed by a match against Qatar on November 17 at the conclusion of the domestic schedule. These friendly matches serve as essential testing grounds ahead of the AFC Asian Cup.
Immediately following the roster announcement, Moreno departed for Europe to observe key overseas internationals, scheduling personal visits to watch Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, and Hwang In-beom in action with their respective clubs. Meanwhile, questions persist regarding players left off the list, such as striker Cho Gue-sung, whose club form the coaching staff continues to monitor without public elaboration.