Choi Woo-jin (20, Incheon), who is wearing the ‘surprise’ Taegeuk mark, is looking forward to playing with captain Son Heung-min (32, Tottenham).
The national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will play the first round of the third qualifying match for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North Korea and the U.S. against Palestine at 8 p.m. on September 5 at Seoul World Cup Stadium. The national soccer team will continue its second away match in Oman on the 10th.
The Korea Football Association announced the list of 26 national teams to play in the first and second rounds of the 2026 FIFA North-China World Cup Asia 3rd qualifying round at the Sinmun-ro Football Center in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 26th.
Yang Min-hyuk (18, Gangwon), Hwang Moon-ki (28, Gangwon), Choi Woo-jin and Lee Han-beom (22, Mitwillan) were selected for the first time. Yang and Hwang, who are leading Gangwon, were expected to be selected. The unexpected surprise was Choi Woo-jin. Coach Hong Myung-bo, who was agonizing over the replacement of the wingback generation, gave Choi Woo-jin a chance in an unexpected way, excluding the previous seniors in their 30s such as Kim Jin-soo and Kim Tae-hwan.
At a press conference to announce the roster, Hong said, “Choi Woo-jin is a player I saw while playing in K-League matches. I felt he had a chance. I thought he was a good player, but he played good soccer at left fullback while watching two games this Incheon match.”
Choi said he only selected players based on his skills because he watched the Incheon match in person. If Choi gets the chance to play, he will form a left-hander with Son. “Left and right fullbacks are a concern for Korean soccer. Choi is an interesting player, although he lacks physical abilities,” Hong said.
Choi was also very surprised at the selection of players for the national team. He showed off his presence in the K-League, but had no idea that he would immediately play with Son wearing the national flag. Below is a Q&A session with Choi. 안전놀이터
▲ How do you feel when you’re a surprise member of the national team?
I never thought of it, but I was so surprised to hear the news of today’s selection. I’ve always played soccer with the goal of becoming a national team member, but I’m so happy that the opportunity came faster than I thought. On the one hand, I’m nervous and very nervous to think that it’s just the beginning.
▲ When did you find out about the selection of the national team?
I didn’t know you were announcing the list. I was sleeping at home when my friend called me. I was told I was chosen, so that’s when I turned on the internet and checked.
▲ It’s been 2 years since I joined the professional team?
In the beginning, I thought I should work harder than I thought I should do well after joining Incheon. In my second year, I wanted to prove it. There were many days when it didn’t go well, but I think this opportunity came because the coach believed me.
▲ Wingback is the main position, so wasn’t it hard to adjust to it while switching to four-back?
Since the coach and older brothers taught me a lot in the team, I think it helped me a lot to adapt, even though I’m not perfect yet.