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Final Test for South Korea: Can Son Heung-min Lead the Team to 2026 Glory?

Daniel Kim Views  

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[Anchor] Hong Myung-bo’s team will play a tune-up against Trinidad and Tobago in the U.S. tomorrow (31st). With the World Cup in North and Central America just over 10 days away, the friendly offers a final chance to evaluate form. I’m Jang Yoon-hee. [Reporter] Hong’s squad set up a pre-tournament camp in Salt Lake City, which sits at an altitude similar to Guadalajara, Mexico, where two group-stage games will be held. Players nearing the end of their high-altitude acclimation are moving with noticeably more spring in their step. Captain Son Heung-min said, “Everyone who trained put in a lot of hard work. Recover well, and let’s go hard again tomorrow, okay?” The coaching staff will use the Trinidad and Tobago friendly to assess fitness and finalize the best lineup. Oh Hyun-kyu, who’s been in strong form for his club, is managing a minor muscle issue. For the friendly, Son and Cho Kyu-sung will rotate as the lone striker to fine-tune their finishing. Jens Castrop will undergo the wingback trial that was postponed due to injury. Hwang In-beom, after more than two months rehabbing a foot injury, is expected to be brought on as a substitute to regain match sharpness. Lee Ki-hyuk, a surprise addition to the World Cup roster, will start at center back as the team implements a new defensive setup. Meanwhile, Korea Football Association chairman Chung Mong-gyu has said he plans to step down after the World Cup, a development that could create some turbulence. Coach Hong, however, said the squad’s mood is steady and that he will stay focused on finishing the job. This is Jang Yoon-hee for Yonhap News TV. [Image source: Korea Football Association] [Video editing: Sim Ji-mi] [Graphics: Lee Ye-ji] [News review] #HongMyungBo #WorldCup #Guadalajara #Friendly #TrinidadandTobago Yonhap News TV — For inquiries or tips: KakaoTalk/LINE jebo23; Jang Yoon-hee (ego@yna.co.kr)

Daniel Kim
content@tenbizt.com

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