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News: Six K League players included in South Korea World Cup squad

2026-05-18T14:43:29.113+09:00

A six-man K League contingent is heading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico, as part of Hong Myung-bo's South Korea side.

Two goalkeepers, Jo Hyeon-woo and Song Bum-keun, two defenders in Daejeon Hana Citizen's Kim Moon-hwan and Gangwon FC's Lee Gi-hyeok, as well as midfielders Lee Dong-gyeong of Ulsan and Kim Jin-gyu of Ulsan make up K League's representation in the Taeguk Warriors' 26-man squad.

However, Kang Sang-yoon and Cho Wi-je, both of Jeonbuk, will head with the squad as training members and will be on standby in case there are injuries.

In addition, goalkeeping coach Yang Young-min is reported to have requested four goalkeepers to run training sessions effectively, so an extra keeper was selected as a training partner. FC Seoul's Yoon Gi-wook has been called up to fulfill that role, chosen ahead of Pohang's Lee Seung-hwan. The idea is to give a younger age-group national team goalkeeper experience at senior level and Yoon is part of the U21 setup, while Lee has been with the U23s.

Yoon Gi-wook will travel to Mexico and stay with the squad until just before the tournament begins. Kang Sang-yoon and Cho Wi-je will remain with the team through the Salt Lake City stage where two friendlies will be played, and could replace players in their positions if injuries occur.

For injuries in other positions, replacements would come from the FIFA preliminary 55-man squad.

The first part of the squad departed for Salt Lake City on Monday 18th May, ahead of two friendly matches - Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday 30th May (local time, Sunday 31st May 10 AM KST) and El Salvador on June 3rd (June 4th, 8 AM KST).

The Europe-based players will arrive in the U.S. from mid-to-late May, depending on their club schedules, ahead of the pre-tournament camp that starts on May 18th.

The squad will then move to their World Cup base in Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 5th.

K League representation

Six K League call-ups represent the joint-lowest contingent from South Korea's domestic league, equal with 2014 when, coincidentally, Hong Myung-bo was the head coach.

The highest number K League players called up is 20 in 1998, followed by 18 in 1986 and 1998, then 16 in 2006. In the 2002 World Cup, 14 K League players made the squad.

The total across 11 World Cup squads is 152 K League-based players for an average of 13.8. From 1986 to 1994, Korea typically brought 18 to 20 domestic-based players. From 2002 onward, the number generally settled at around 12 to 16. The clear outliers are 2014 and 2026 with just six. If you include the Sangmu players separately in 1994 and 1998 (pre-K League participation), the adjusted total becomes 156, which raises the average slightly to 14.2 per squad.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Kim Seung-gyu, FC Tokyo
Jo Hyeon-woo, Ulsan HD
Song Bum-keun, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors

Defenders

Kim Min-jae, Bayern Munich
Kim Moon-hwan, Daejeon Hana Citizen
Seol Young-woo, Red Star Belgrade
Cho Yu-min, Sharjah
Lee Tae-seok, Austria Wien
Park Jin-seop, Zhejiang FC
Kim Tae-hyeon, Kashima Antlers
Jens Castrop, Borussia Mönchengladbach
Lee Gi-hyeok, Gangwon FC

Midfielders

Lee Jae-sung, Mainz 05
Hwang Hee-chann, Wolverhampton Wanderers
Hwang In-beom, Feyenoord
Lee Kang-in, Paris Saint-Germain
Paik Seung-ho, Birmingham City
Kim Jin-gyu, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors
Lee Dong-gyeong, Ulsan HD
Bae Jun-ho, Stoke City
Eom Ji-sung, Swansea City
Yang Hyun-jun, Celtic

Forwards

Son Heung-min, Los Angeles FC
Cho Gue-sung, Midtjyland
Oh Hyeon-gyu, Besiktas

2026 K League 2 Round 12 Preview

2026-05-14T16:14:52.857+09:00

Round 12 of the K League 2 season brings together two of the division’s most in-form sides as Hwaseong and league leaders Busan meet in a key clash near the top of the table. Elsewhere, Chungnam Asan look to build momentum following an emphatic victory in Round 11, while Daegu goalkeeper Han Tae-hee aims to extend his impressive run of clean sheets under new head coach Choi Seong-yong.

Match of the Round

Hwaseong look to continue rise against leaders Busan

Hwaseong FC, unbeaten in five matches with three wins and two draws, take on league leaders Busan IPark, who have recorded nine wins, one draw and one loss since the start of the season. With both sides among the division’s form teams, attention is firmly on this meeting.

Hwaseong (fifth, 16 points) have produced performances that have often been even more impressive than their recent results suggest. The tactical identity of head coach Cha Du-ri has become increasingly clear, with compact defensive organisation, aggressive pressing and quick attacking transitions standing out. Wide player Kim Dae-hwan and forward Leonard Plana have consistently caused problems for opposition defences. However, there have also been moments of frustration, particularly when late concessions have cost the team valuable points despite controlling matches. Their ability to manage games effectively, convert chances and maintain concentration late on will again be important.

Busan (first, 28 points) have also maintained strong momentum. Although they suffered their first defeat of the season against Suwon Bluewings in Round 9, losing 3-2, they responded with consecutive victories to remain firmly at the top of the table. Even when performances have not been dominant, Busan have continued to find ways to win. In Round 11 against Cheonan City, goalkeeper Koo Sang-min preserved a dramatic victory by saving a late penalty, while Kim Hyun-min impressed with his movement and energy. One concern, however, is the recent form of leading striker Cristian Renato, who has now gone five matches without a goal.

The two sides shared one win, one draw and one loss in their meetings last season. Hwaseong and Busan meet on Sunday, May 17th at 4:30 PM at Hwaseong Sports Complex.

Team of the Round

Chungnam Asan spark revival

Chungnam Asan (seventh, 15 points) ended a four-match winless run of three draws and one loss in Round 11, producing an emphatic 3-0 victory over in-form Seoul E-Land.

The club had been operating under an interim coaching structure following the departure of Lim Kwan-sik last month. Although André Gaspar was later appointed as the club’s new head coach, visa issues prevented him from taking charge on the bench during the victory over Seoul E-Land.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the managerial situation, Chungnam Asan delivered one of their strongest performances of the season. Using aggressive pressing and rapid counterattacks, they controlled the match and scored three goals. Centre forward Kim Jong-min was particularly clinical, converting all three of his shots to record the first hat-trick of the 2026 K League 2 season.

Midfielders Son Jun-ho and Park Se-jik also played important roles with their work rate and passing stability helping to drive the attack. There is growing interest in how Chungnam Asan will continue to develop under the club’s new structure.

Chungnam Asan host Suwon FC in Round 12 on Sunday, May 17th at 7 PM at Yi Sun-sin Stadium.

Player of the Round

Daegu's Han Tae-hee targets third straight clean sheet

Daegu FC (sixth, 15 points) drew 0-0 away to Suwon Bluewings in Round 11. While the result may have felt slightly disappointing, the match marked a second consecutive clean sheet since the appointment of head coach Choi Seong-yong. Goalkeeper Han Tae-hee played a major role in that improvement.

Han joined Daegu in 2023 but spent most of his first two seasons playing for the club’s reserve side. From last year onwards, he gradually began to earn first-team opportunities and show his potential. Although Daegu were unable to avoid relegation, Han impressed with his shot-stopping, composure in build-up play and aerial ability, making full use of his 196 cm frame.

This season, Han has continued to gain experience as a regular starter and has shown strength not only in making saves but also in distributing accurately from the back. In Round 6 against Gimpo FC, he even registered an assist with a precise long pass.

His performance against Suwon in Round 11 was particularly impressive. Han saved all four shots on target he faced, including a remarkable goal-line clearance to deny Reis in the 64th minute, which proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.

Daegu now look to make it three matches unbeaten as they prepare to face Gimhae FC 2008 in Round 12. Gimhae are still searching for their first win of the season and have conceded 23 goals while recording two draws and eight losses. The match takes place on Sunday, May 17th at 4:30 PM at Gimhae Sports Complex.

via K League press release

2026 K League 2 Round 12 Fixtures

Saturday 16th May

Seoul E-Land vs. Yongin FC - 16:30
Jeonnam Dragons vs. Chungbuk Cheongju - 16:30
Cheonan City vs. Paju Frontier - 19:00
Ansan Greeners vs. Gimpo FC - 19:00

Sunday 17th May

Seongnam FC vs. Gyeongnam FC - 16:30
Gimhae FC 2008 vs. Daegu FC - 16:30
Hwaseong FC vs. Busan IPark - 16:30
Chungnam Asan vs. Suwon FC - 19:00

Where to Watch

Watch all matches live on TV.KLeague.com.

2026 K League 1 Round 15 Preview

2026-05-14T15:24:02.407+09:00

K League 1 wraps up this weekend before a seven-week World Cup break. Round 15 season sees Jeju SK and FC Anyang meet in an important clash between two sides separated by just one point in the standings. Elsewhere, Gangwon FC look to continue their unbeaten run and strengthen their push towards the top of the table, while FC Seoul forward Leonardo Ruiz looks to build on back-to-back goals after helping the league leaders return to winning ways.

Match of the Round

Jeju and Anyang target a move up the table

Round 15 features a meeting between seventh-placed Jeju SK (18 points) and eighth-placed FC Anyang (17 points). With only one point separating the two sides, another tightly contested battle in the race for the top half is expected on the island this weekend.

Jeju have steadily built momentum since securing their first win of the season against Bucheon FC 1995 in Round 6. They have recorded five wins, one draw and three losses across their last nine matches, with the standout result coming in Round 13 when they defeated league leaders FC Seoul. Negueba played a major role in that victory, using his pace to set up Park Chang-jun’s opening goal in the 18th minute before also creating the sequence that led to Kim Jun-ha’s goal early in the second half. Although Jeju suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ulsan HD in the midweek round, Negueba still found the net and continued his strong form. His explosive dribbling and direct attacking play are expected to remain central to Jeju’s approach.

Anyang, meanwhile, are winless in their last five matches, recording three draws and one loss across their most recent four. Despite that run, Airton Moisés has maintained his scoring touch. After finding the net against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Round 13, he scored again against Gimcheon in midweek to make it goals in consecutive matches. The Brazilian has now recorded five goals in 13 appearances this season and remains Anyang’s leading scorer.

Anyang will also hope to benefit from the return of Matheus Oliveira, who came back into the side against Gimcheon Sangmu in Round 14. Matheus has recorded three assists this season, placing him joint-top in that regard. The partnership between Airton and Matheus will likely play a decisive role in how Anyang attempt to break down Jeju’s defence.

Anyang won the first meeting between the two sides this season 2-1. Matheus scored twice in that match, while Negueba also found the net, highlighting their influence. Once again, the performances of those players could prove decisive. Jeju and Anyang meet for the second time this season on Sunday, May 17th at 4:30 PM at Jeju World Cup Stadium.

Watch live on K League TV.

Team of the Round

The Bears unbeaten in four

Gangwon FC (fifth, 21 points) are unbeaten in their last four matches with two wins and two draws. After failing to win any of their opening five matches of the season, Gangwon have transformed their campaign with five wins, three draws and one loss across their subsequent nine games.

At the centre of Gangwon’s turnaround has been Kim Dae-won. The forward has appeared in every match this season and recorded five goals and two assists, consistently troubling opposition defences with his movement and finishing. His performances were recognised with the K League Player of the Month award for April.

Gangwon’s defensive stability has also been a major strength in recent weeks. They have conceded only once across their last four matches, demonstrating impressive organisation at the back. Goalkeeper Park Cheong-hyo has played a key role, recording a league-high seven clean sheets in 14 appearances this season.

With both their attack and defence performing consistently, Gangwon now prepare to face Ulsan HD in Round 15. Gangwon lost the first meeting between the two sides this season 3-1 and will now look for revenge. Their second encounter of the campaign takes place on Sunday, May 17th at 7 PM at Gangneung High1 Arena.

Watch live on K League TV.

Player of the Round

FC Seoul’s new match-winner Ruiz

FC Seoul (first, 29 points) defeated Gwangju 1-0 in Round 14 thanks to a winning goal from Leonardo Ruiz. After recording one draw and two losses across their previous three matches, the victory allowed Seoul to regain momentum.

The capital club controlled the match against Gwangju throughout, finishing with 60% possession and 16 shots while allowing the opposition just one attempt. Despite creating numerous chances, they struggled to find a breakthrough until Ruiz scored the decisive goal in the 49th minute.

Colombian striker Ruiz joined Seoul from Seongnam ahead of this season and initially endured a difficult adjustment period in K League 1. However, he scored his first goal for the club against Ulsan in the rescheduled Round 2 fixture, providing a turning point in confidence. After another quiet spell in front of goal, Ruiz has now scored in consecutive matches against Jeju SK in Round 13 and Gwangju FC in Round 14, signalling a return to form. Beyond his finishing, his movement and link-up play have also begun to stand out more consistently.

Seoul face Daejeon Hana Citizen in Round 15. Seoul suffered their first defeat of the season when they faced Daejeon in the first meeting between the two sides earlier this year. Their second encounter of the campaign takes place on Saturday, May 16th at 4:30 PM at Daejeon World Cup Stadium.

Watch live with English commentary on K League TV.

via K League press release

2026 K League 1 Round 15 Fixtures

Saturday 16th May

Daejeon Hana Citizen vs. FC Seoul - 16:30 [ENG]
Incheon United vs. Gwangju FC - 19:00 [ENG]

Sunday 17th May

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors vs. Gimcheon Sangmu - 16:40 [ENG]
Jeju SK vs. FC Anyang - 16:30
Gangwon FC vs. Ulsan HD - 19:00
Bucheon FC 1995 vs. Pohang Steelers - 19:00 [ENG]

Where to Watch

Watch live on TV.KLeague.com, English commentary provided where indicated.

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