South Korea’s World Cup 2026 Hopes Dim Amidst Tactical Doubts and Injury Woes
South Korea approaches the 2026 World Cup with significant concerns over tactical uncertainty and a host of key players battling injuries or inconsistent form. Coach Hong Myung-bo’s late experimentation with formations has left the team lacking cohesion, while stars like Son Heung-min face challenges at their club level.
Despite a strong unbeaten qualifying campaign, hopes for advancing past the group stage are tempered by these internal issues and a perceived lack of public and media support for the current coaching staff. The team will rely on the resurgence of players like Son and emerging talents like Oh Hyeon-gyu to navigate a group featuring Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia.