The team is cruising towards North Korea, China and the U.S., but is seeking small changes in stability. The team is repeating experiments to the extent that it does not break the framework of existing players, but four new faces (Kim Kyung-min, Kim Bong-soo, Lee Tae-seok, and Lee Hyun-joo) appeared at the convocation in November.
Coach Hong Myung-bo, 55, held a press conference at the Seoul Football Center on the 4th and announced the list of the national team’s call-up (26 players) to play in the 5th to 6th round of the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup (Kuwait on the 14th and Palestine on the 19th).
Midfielder Lee Hyun-joo (21) of Hanover, who plays in the Bundesliga (second division) in Germany, drew attention as the first pick in this call-up. He was discovered by Hong, who went on a business trip to Europe in October.
“Lee Hyun-joo was constantly monitoring the game. His playing time (average of 77.5 minutes) is increasing as well. It is a good option as he has a different style from existing players,” Hong said.
Called the player who will take care of the future of Korean soccer, Lee Hyun-joo joined Bayern Munich in 2022 after playing for the Pohang Steelers. Originally on a loan deal, he has quickly adapted to the German stage with a full transfer.
Lee Hyun-joo scored four goals while playing 28 games on loan to Bechen Wiesbaden, the second division, last season, and this season he has one goal in eight games as the main player of Hanover 96.
Lee Hyun-joo is evaluated as having a good ability to solve attacks with abundant activity and ball carrying ability.
Coach Hong said, “After watching Lee Hyun-joo’s performance, I thought it was an immediate sense of power needed for the national team.” 스포츠토토
“I think Lee Hyun-joo is suitable because he is the type of player who does not need space when the opponent team is down to the defense,” Hong said. “Sometimes we need a player who is good at counter attacks, but it is also important to play in a dense state (of the opponent team’s defense). He is a very good player in that regard.”
Both Kuwait (14th) and Palestine (19th), the national team’s opponents, are positive in that they are expected to stage counterattacks following dense defense.
However, Hong expressed caution on whether Lee Hyun-joo will participate or not. “If I am in good condition or in a training position, I will have him participate regardless of age,” Hong said. “This match is important beyond October on the way to the World Cup finals.”