Hong Myung-bo Announces October Squad, Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang In-beom Return: Korea's National Team Manager Names 26-Player Roster for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers
Korea Football Association (KFA) head coach Hong Myung-bo unveiled September 28, 2025 his 26-player squad for October World Cup qualifying matches against Iraq (October 10, Seoul World Cup Stadium) and Jordan (October 15, Amman International Stadium), headlined by returns of English Premier League forward Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers) and Eredivisie midfielder Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord Rotterdam) following injury absences. Squad selection—Hong's third since August 2024 appointment—balances European-based veterans (11 players from EPL, Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, Eredivisie) with domestic K League talent (15 players) reflecting Korea's hybrid model leveraging European exposure while maintaining domestic league quality. For American context, imagine U.S. Men's National Team manager Gregg Berhalter balancing MLS stars with European-based players like Christian Pulisic (AC Milan), Tyler Adams (Bournemouth), Weston McKennie (Juventus)—except Korea's European contingent faces fiercer competition: Son Heung-min (Tottenham) competing with Harry Kane, Hwang Hee-chan battling for playing time at mid-table Premier League club, Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) fighting for minutes behind Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé. Korea currently sits second in AFC World Cup qualifying Group B with 7 points from 4 matches (2 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss), trailing Iraq (10 points) and ahead of Jordan (6 points), Oman (3 points), Palestine (2 points), and Kuwait (1 point)—top two teams advance directly to 2026 FIFA World Cup, third/fourth place enter inter-confederation playoffs. October matches represent crucial juncture: victory over Iraq would vault Korea to first place, while losses could drop them to fourth and jeopardize automatic qualification, forcing playoff path Korea hasn't faced since 1998 qualifying campaign.
Hwang Hee-chan's return addresses Korea's striking depth concerns—26-year-old forward missed September international window (hamstring strain sidelining him four weeks) but resumed training September 20, scoring September 24 against Liverpool in Premier League (his third goal in eight 2024-25 appearances). Hwang's role evolved since 2022 World Cup where he scored against Portugal in crucial 2-1 group stage victory: initially Son Heung-min's backup, now competes for starting spot given Son's age (33 in July 2025) and Hwang's superior physicality in high-pressing systems Hong favors. Statistical profile reveals complementary skills: Hwang averages 4.2 sprints per 90 minutes (vs. Son's 2.8), 1.8 successful dribbles (vs. Son's 2.4), and 0.42 goals per 90 (vs. Son's 0.38)—pace and directness compensating for inferior technical skill and shot selection. Tactical flexibility valuable: Hwang operates as lone striker in 4-2-3-1, right forward in 4-3-3, or second striker in 4-4-2, while Son's left-wing preference limits positional versatility. For American parallel, imagine Christian Pulisic competing with younger, faster Josh Sargent for starting forward role—experience and proven quality vs. physical attributes and tactical flexibility trade-off managers constantly evaluate. Hwang In-beom's midfield return equally significant—27-year-old playmaker missed September after ankle injury sustained August 31 Eredivisie match, but his passing range and defensive workrate crucial for Hong's 4-2-3-1 system requiring double pivot shielding back four while launching attacks. Hwang In-beom's 2024-25 Feyenoord statistics demonstrate complete midfielder profile: 89.3% pass completion, 2.8 tackles per 90, 1.4 interceptions, 2.1 progressive passes (moving ball 10+ yards toward opponent goal)—modern midfielder combining defensive solidity with progressive distribution. Partnership with Jung Woo-young (Al-Sadd, Qatar) or Park Yong-woo (Al-Ain, UAE) in double pivot provides foundation Hong builds attacking moves through, comparable to U.S. national team's reliance on Tyler Adams-Yunus Musah partnership before Adams' injury struggles reduced availability.
Squad Composition Analysis: Balancing Youth Integration and Experience Retention
Hong's 26-player roster reveals generational transition underway: seven players 30+ years old (Son Heung-min 33, Kim Min-jae 28 but included in veteran category as national team stalwart since 2017, Kim Young-gwon 34, Hwang In-beom 27 but 60+ caps), thirteen players 24-29 (prime age for international soccer), and six players under 24 (Yang Hyun-jun 22, Lee Kang-in 23, Bae Jun-ho 21, Oh Hyeon-gyu 23, Paik Seung-ho 27—younger tier despite some ages suggesting otherwise due to recent national team integration). Notable inclusions: Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic, Scottish Premiership)—pacy winger Hong favors for late-game impact substitution despite limited starting experience (2 caps, 0 starts), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City, English Championship)—technical midfielder transitioning from Norwegian league to English second tier, Oh Hyeon-gyu (Genk, Belgian Pro League)—target forward providing aerial threat alternative to Korea's typical technical approach. Notable omissions: Cho Gue-sung (Midtjylland, Danish Superliga)—once-hyped striker from 2022 World Cup (2 goals vs. Ghana) now dropped after poor club form (1 goal in 12 appearances 2024-25), Jeong Woo-yeong (VfB Stuttgart, Bundesliga)—versatile attacker omitted despite strong club season (3 goals, 2 assists in 8 Bundesliga matches), explained by Hong prioritizing defensive solidity and Jeong's perceived tactical indiscipline. Hong's selection philosophy emphasizes system fit over individual talent: prefers hardworking, tactically obedient players executing game plan rather than creative freedom players potentially disrupting team shape—approach critics label conservative but defenders argue necessary given Korea's physical disadvantages (average height 178cm vs. Iraq 180cm, Jordan 179cm) requiring disciplined organization compensating for aerial vulnerability. For American comparison, imagine U.S. coach selecting Brenden Aaronson (system player, high work rate, 6 goals/10 assists in 45 caps) over more talented but less disciplined Gio Reyna (higher ceiling but injury-prone, 23 caps)—pragmatism vs. potential trade-off managers face when results matter more than style points.
Positional depth reveals strengths and weaknesses. Goalkeeping strong: Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan HD, K League 1)—established starter with 90+ caps, Kim Seung-gyu (Al-Shabab, Saudi Pro League)—experienced backup, Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Motors, K League 1)—domestic option. Center-back rotation thin: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga)—world-class defender, undisputed starter, but partners change frequently (Kim Young-gwon aging at 34, Jung Seung-hyun inconsistent, Cho Yu-min untested at international level)—vulnerability exposed when Kim Min-jae unavailable (red card suspension, injury), Korea concedes 1.8 goals per match vs. 0.6 with him playing. Fullback positions adequate: Lee Ki-je (Suwon FC) and Seol Young-woo (Ulsan HD) provide K League experience, but no European-based competition pushing standards upward—potential weakness against elite opposition where fullback quality increasingly decisive (Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, Real Madrid's Dani Carvajal illustrating modern fullback importance). Midfield depth Korea's strength: eight players compete for three spots (double pivot plus attacking midfielder), ensuring tactical flexibility and squad rotation managing fatigue across condensed schedule. Forward positions concerning: Son Heung-min guaranteed starter barring injury, but alternatives underwhelming—Hwang Hee-chan capable but injury-prone (missed 15 games past two seasons), Oh Hyeon-gyu unproven at international level (3 caps, 0 goals), Joo Min-kyu (Ulsan HD) reliable K League scorer but lacks pace/physicality for international soccer. Korea's historical reliance on individual brilliance (Son's 44 goals in 118 caps represents 39% of team's scoring) creates vulnerability if captain unavailable—September match against Palestine (goalless draw) exemplified toothless attack without Son (rested) and Hwang Hee-chan (injured). For American parallel, imagine U.S. team overly dependent on Christian Pulisic (25 goals in 69 caps, 36% of scoring) with Josh Sargent (5 goals in 29 caps) and Ricardo Pepi (3 goals in 29 caps) providing insufficient alternatives—structural vulnerability requiring tactical solutions (improving service to forwards, enhancing midfield goal contributions) beyond simply acquiring better strikers.
October Fixtures Analysis and Qualification Scenarios
Iraq match (October 10, Seoul, 8:00 PM KST) represents must-win given home advantage—Korea historically strong at Seoul World Cup Stadium (64,677 capacity, 68% win rate in World Cup qualifiers 2006-2025) but Iraq poses serious threat: topped Group B with 10 points from 4 matches (3 wins, 1 draw), averaging 2.25 goals scored and 0.5 conceded, featuring dangerous attackers Ayman Hussein (top Iraqi scorer with 31 goals in 95 caps) and Aymen Hussein (different spelling, midfielder with 8 assists in qualifiers). Tactical battle pits Hong's possession-based 4-2-3-1 (Korea averages 58% possession in qualifiers) against Iraq's direct counter-attacking 4-4-2 (averages 42% possession but 0.18 expected goals per shot vs. Korea's 0.12, indicating shot quality emphasis). Key matchups: Kim Min-jae vs. Ayman Hussein—world-class defender against prolific striker, Hwang In-beom/Jung Woo-young midfield pivot vs. Iraq's physical midfield pressuring passers, Son Heung-min vs. Iraq's right-back (historically Korea's attack concentrates 65%+ down left flank exploiting Son's pace/skill). Refereeing assignment significant: Saudi Arabian referee Turki Al-Khudayr appointed—historically strict on tactical fouls (4.8 yellow cards per match average vs. AFC mean 3.2), potentially favoring Korea's technical approach over Iraq's physicality. Crowd advantage substantial: Korean fans infamous for creating hostile atmosphere for opponents (2002 World Cup examples: Italy match featured deafening noise causing communication breakdowns, Spain match intimidation influenced referee decisions)—October match during Korean thanksgiving Chuseok holiday period ensures capacity crowd with extra nationalist fervor. Betting markets reflect home advantage: Korea -0.5 goal handicap priced at 1.75 odds (57% implied probability), total goals under 2.5 at 1.80 odds (56% probability)—markets expect low-scoring Korean victory, aligning with historical pattern (Korea's average home World Cup qualifier: 2-0 result, 54% matches finish under 2.5 goals). For American comparison, imagine U.S. hosting Mexico in Concacaf qualifier at Columbus Crew Stadium—historical home advantage venue, hostile atmosphere, expected narrow victory against rivals.
Jordan away match (October 15, Amman, 9:00 PM local time) poses greater challenge despite Jordan's inferior ranking (70th FIFA vs. Iraq 68th, Korea 24th). Amman International Stadium altitude (777 meters above sea level) creates physiological challenges: reduced oxygen availability (-7.5% vs. sea level) impairs aerobic performance, particularly final 20 minutes when fatigue accumulates—studies show teams from sea-level locations experience 12-15% reduction in high-intensity running distance when playing at 700-1000m altitude without acclimatization. Korea typically arrives two days before match (insufficient for meaningful acclimatization requiring 7-14 days), forcing reliance on fitness rather than adaptation. Jordan exploits home advantage through high-tempo pressing: forces opponents into errors through aggressive first 15 minutes when visiting teams still adjusting, then absorbs pressure and counters when visitors tire. Historical record favors Korea (18 wins, 11 draws, 4 losses in 33 meetings), but recent encounters closer: 2023 Asian Cup quarterfinal required penalties (Korea won 4-2 after 1-1 draw), 2022 World Cup qualifier tight 2-1 Korea victory. Tactical approach likely shifts defensive: Hong might deploy 4-5-1 prioritizing midfield control and compact defensive shape over attacking ambition, accepting draw if available—pragmatic approach given six-point swing between win (Korea 10 points, Jordan 6) vs. loss (Korea 7, Jordan 9, Iraq potentially 13 if they beat Palestine). Squad rotation probable: starters from Iraq match (3,800km flight, five-day gap) face fatigue, necessitating lineup changes—younger players like Yang Hyun-jun, Bae Jun-ho, Paik Seung-ho likely feature, veterans like Son Heung-min potentially rested or utilized as second-half substitutes. U.S. comparison: American fans remember 2014 World Cup qualifier in Guatemala City (1,500m altitude) where U.S. struggled to 1-1 draw despite superior ranking—altitude's impact on sea-level teams often underestimated, particularly in Asian/Central American qualifiers where altitude variance more common than European competition venues.
Hong Myung-bo's Tenure Assessment and Pressure Dynamics
Hong's appointment August 2024 followed controversy—initial candidate Jürgen Klinsmann sacked February 2024 after Asian Cup semifinal loss to Jordan, interim manager Hwang Sun-hong led team through March qualifiers (1 win, 1 loss), then KFA selected Hong despite fan protests citing his previous failed tenure (2013-2014 stint ending in 2014 World Cup group stage elimination). Current record modest: 5 wins, 2 draws, 2 losses across 9 matches, but context matters—inherited team mid-cycle with no preparation time, faced difficult fixtures (Japan away loss forgivable given historical rivalry dynamics), and slowly implementing tactical identity after Klinsmann's chaotic approach. Fan sentiment remains skeptical: online polls show 52% disapproval rating (vs. 38% approval, 10% neutral), criticism focusing on conservative tactics, predictable substitutions, and failure to maximize talent (Lee Kang-in underutilized despite PSG pedigree, Cho Gue-sung dropped after poor form rather than persisting). Media pressure intense: Korean sports media historically harsh on national team managers, with Klinsmann, Uli Stielike (2014-2017), and Hong himself (first tenure) all facing hostile coverage amplifying every mistake. October qualifiers represent crucial test: two wins would silence critics, validate conservative approach, and secure qualification trajectory—one win one loss maintains pressure but acceptable—two losses would trigger resignation calls and potential KFA intervention. Contract situation adds pressure: Hong signed through 2026 World Cup but KFA includes performance clauses allowing dismissal if qualification endangered—estimated trigger point: finishing outside top-3 in Group B by December 2025 would activate clause, enabling KFA to appoint replacement without financial penalty (reported $2.8M buyout cost waived if performance thresholds missed). For American comparison, imagine Gregg Berhalter's 2022 pressure: U.S. hosting 2026 World Cup but needing to qualify through Concacaf, previous generation's 2018 failure still haunting program, fans demanding results while questioning tactics—Hong faces similar dynamics where anything short of comfortable qualification considered failure given Korea's 10 consecutive World Cup appearances (1986-2022, only Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain match or exceed this streak among current participants).
Hong Myung-bo's October squad announcement and subsequent Iraq-Jordan qualifiers represent microcosm of modern international soccer's challenges: managing player availability across club-country conflicts, balancing veteran experience with youth development, implementing tactical identity within limited preparation time, and satisfying demanding stakeholders (fans, media, federation) expecting results despite structural constraints. Hwang Hee-chan and Hwang In-beom's returns provide stability Hong desperately needs—established performers executing game plan rather than experimenting with unproven alternatives during crucial matches. Korea's World Cup qualifying position (7 points from 4 matches, second in Group B) reflects simultaneous strength (undefeated at home, competitive in away matches) and vulnerability (narrow margins, lack of goal-scoring depth, defensive frailties without Kim Min-jae). October's results will determine whether Hong's conservative, system-oriented approach produces qualification comfort or whether critics' concerns about tactical rigidity and talent underutilization prove prescient. For Korean soccer fans, these qualifiers represent more than points on table—they're referendum on Hong's second chance managing national team, validation or indictment of KFA's controversial appointment process, and crucial steps toward 11th consecutive World Cup appearance continuing Korea's status as Asia's most consistent football power. Global soccer observers watch whether Korea's hybrid model—European-based stars supplemented by domestic league professionals, experienced manager implementing systematic approach, passionate fan base demanding excellence—succeeds in navigating qualification's treacherous path where single results alter trajectories and October 2025 becomes remembered as turning point, foundation, or unraveling of 2026 World Cup dream.
Read the original Korean article: Trendy News Korea
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