'Final roster confirmed' Coach Hong Myung-bo: "Challenging for an upset at the North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup, the final worry is..." [Q&A at the roster announcement site]

*This content was translated by AI.

The roster of 26 Taegeuk Warriors who will step onto the main stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North, Central America and the Caribbean, held for the first time with 48 participating nations, has finally been unveiled. It is reported that Coach Hong Myung-bo has continued to face numerous dilemmas in finalizing the roster.

Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korea national football team, held a press conference at 4 p.m. on the 16th at West Onmadang, KT Gwanghwamun Building, Jongno-gu, Seoul, and unexpectedly revealed the final roster.

After announcing the final roster, Coach Hong Myung-bo stated, "I want to thank all the players who have passed through the national team and tell them they worked hard. I have a message for the players who did not make the final roster. I will not forget the sweat and effort you shed to get here."

This roster is the final result of a fierce selection process that has continued for the past two years. It reflects the selection principle of "best performance as of May," which Coach Hong Myung-bo has emphasized multiple times.

The roster announced today includes key European-based players who support both offense and defense, such as captain Son Heung-min (LAFC), Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), and Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain). Multi-player Lee Ki-hyuk (Kangwon), who has emerged as a key figure for Kangwon FC, was unexpectedly selected. Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD), who has been performing brilliantly on the K League 1 stage recently, also secured a ticket to the main tournament by breaking through fierce competition.

In the Q&A session that followed immediately after the roster announcement, Coach Hong Myung-bo explained the background for selections at each position, alternatives in case of injury variables, and the roadmap from the pre-camp in Salt Lake City, USA, to the entry into the base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico.

"There are many changes in this World Cup. Variables are diverse, including travel distance, climate, time difference, and match operation methods. The core of the World Cup is controlling and coping with variables. I will strive to turn variables into opportunities rather than crises. We will face the variable of high altitude from the group stage. We have prepared for this in detail. We selected players who are equipped even amidst various variables."

"Korea has always fought within the variables of the World Cup. Therefore, this World Cup is a good opportunity to cause an upset. We will prepare well until the final moment."

- The final worry is.

"I cannot reveal names. There were debates about midfielders and defenders. We also placed importance on contributions to the national team. There were many concerns about midfielders and central defenders."

- You selected Lee Dong-gyeong. What is the extent of Hwang In-beom's injury?

"Hwang In-beom had his physical condition checked through tests. There is absolutely no problem with his cardiorespiratory function. In fact, it is better than other players. However, since he has not played many matches, his form may not be perfect. We will bring it up in the US. The physical coach is conducting high-intensity training. It is at a reassuring stage."

"Lee Dong-gyeong faced difficulties at the beginning of the season. We have been watching him consistently. In the last two matches, he showed his old form. Lee Dong-gyeong is a different type of player who can receive the ball in the LINE. He is a resource that fits well with the national team."

- What is the background for the surprise selection of Lee Ki-hyuk? There must have been many concerns about the defensive midfielder, so how is the midfield composition?

"I thought multi-ability was important. Lee Ki-hyuk is a versatile player who can play both as a midfielder and a fullback. Lee Ki-hyuk was the key to Kangwon. I also spoke with the coaches of his club team. He is maintaining good performance and has good confidence. As a defender, he has pros and cons, but I felt he has improved compared to before. We will make up for it during training."

- The goal has been adjusted to the Round of 32.

"Anything can happen after the Round of 32. We might even reach an unexpected position. The Round of 32 is not the goal. We want to make the Round of 32 an opportunity to reach a good position, and we are also thinking about what comes after that."

- What is the background for selecting the three reserve roster members (Kang Sang-yoon, Jo Wi-je, and Yoon Gi-wook)?

"Korea is preparing for the World Cup. This is a time when competitiveness is important. However, the national team must also think about the next cycle. I hope this Seon Su-deul-i (CEO) team experiences with their bodies what standards and attitudes they are using. I thought it would help their growth if they learn the pressure and burden of preparing for international tournaments."

- How much have the players grown?

"There has been considerable growth. We shared many thoughts. I also feel that I have grown a lot, both from an experiential perspective and because I have good players as a coach."

- The first match is not far away. The Football Association's support must be important. What advice do you have for the players starting a long-term training camp?

"It is fortunate that we have time to prepare for the match, but I think we may face difficulties. They will bring their families, and the Association will take care of many things. We plan to reflect the players' thoughts in team operations more than before. It is important that they do not do things because someone tells them to, but that they think, judge, and decide for themselves."

- There are players who are joining late, such as Kim Min-jae, Lee Kang-in, and Son Heung-min. What is the training plan?

"The team will move in two groups, first and second. The first group, consisting of K League players and all staff, will move together on the 18th. According to FIFA regulations, players can be called up from the 24th. European-based players will join on the 24th or 25th, and Lee Kang-in will arrive a bit later (Champions League)."

"We are moving to high altitude. For 2-3 days, we will monitor the players' physical condition, so we will not conduct strong training. Players joining from Europe will also conduct training after observing the situation at high altitude. Since the match time in Korea is earlier, it will be difficult to conduct much training.

- The national team needs players who can score goals, but some are currently underperforming.

"The So Sok-tim-gwa (CEO) team is different. Oh Hyeon-gyu and Cho Gue-sung often score, but Son Heung-min is not scoring. I watched the match directly in LA, and it seemed like he was playing from a slightly lower position compared to the national team. I think we need to communicate with the players and share what is suitable and good.

- You said you met Son Heung-min. Did you talk about adapting to high altitude?

"We talked after returning from LA following the quarterfinal (CONCACAF Champions Cup) match. He went to a 2,300m high altitude and said he struggled during the match. It seems he felt even more fatigue after the match. The national team is not at that level of altitude, but I thought we need to adapt to around 1,600m."

- The FIFA ranking of the friendly match opponent is low.

"(Teams that did not materialize) It seems they did not match our conditions. It was very difficult to secure a friendly match opponent. We could have played against a better opponent, but our first match will be in Guadalajara. I felt it would not be efficient to play a friendly match in a region other than Salt Lake. If that didn't work, I had the idea to play a friendly match even with a club team. Fortunately, El Salvador was secured. I understand the fans' thoughts, but from the national team's perspective, I think it is fortunate."

- What role do you expect from captain Son Heung-min?

"I have no further requests for Son Heung-min as captain. He will do well as he has done so far. I hope other players also convey their thoughts well and communicate smoothly. I will try to create a time for the players to prepare for the World Cup in a fun and comfortable way. We cannot predict the results, but I hope the players enjoy this process more."

- You personally went through many twists and turns. If there is anything you want to ask of football fans.

"As a coach, I will protect this team until the end. I hope many fans will support the players so they can go to the World Cup with better energy."

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*This content was translated by AI.