Son Heung-min Returns as National Squad Heads to US for World Cup Preparations

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America draws closer, the South Korean national football team has departed for the United States to begin full-scale preparations.

Having secured a spot at the upcoming World Cup, the national team flew out from Incheon International Airport on September 1. This call-up is notable as it takes place in one of the World Cup’s host nations; South Korea will face the United States at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey on the 7th, followed by a match against Mexico at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee on the 10th.

Manager Hong Myung-bo announced a 26-player squad for the two friendlies. Among them, nine K League players traveled together from Incheon, while the other 17 overseas-based players are set to join the team directly in the US.

These friendlies are widely seen as the team’s first true test in its World Cup preparations, especially as they provide a chance to acclimate to the local playing environment. With matches scheduled against Mexico—ranked 13th by FIFA—and the United States—ranked 15th—the friendlies will serve as a valuable test bed for both tactical experimentation and squad cohesion.

“Each game is taking on greater significance,” said Hong Myung-bo, underlining the need to test various players and tactical plans. “We’ll be gaining experience to fill gaps left by injured players, particularly against high-level opposition.”

This training camp features some notable squad changes. Jens Castrop, a German-born holding midfielder currently with Borussia Mönchengladbach, has been called up to the senior national team for the first time. Hong said, “We are putting extensive effort into helping him bond with the team and will actively support his early adaptation.”

The team is also without one of its mainstays: midfielder Hwang In-beom from Feyenoord has been dropped due to a calf injury. Manager Hong noted, “Injuries are always a possibility, so this gives us a chance to prepare various alternatives.”

The upcoming friendlies mark the first return of Son Heung-min (now with Los Angeles FC) to the national team since his transfer. After leaving Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League for LAFC in Major League Soccer, observers are keen to see how his role in the national squad might shift. The spotlight is also on the reunion of Son and former Tottenham coach Mauricio Pochettino, who is now leading the US national team, adding an extra narrative to the coaching duel.

When it comes to team captaincy, Coach Hong struck a measured tone. He told reporters at Incheon Airport that “there is a possibility of changing the captain depending on team dynamics and player changes,” adding, “This is not a decision for me to make alone.” Hong further explained that while a change is under consideration, “no final decision has been made yet.”

Currently, Son Heung-min holds the captain’s armband, a role he has kept since captaining the U-23 squad at the 2018 Jakarta-Palembang Asian Games—a streak now running seven years. “The final decision is mine, but I’ll consult with players and staff to make the best choice,” said Hong, emphasizing, “Being captain is not an easy job, and we’ll have multiple discussions before deciding.”

There are also transfer rumors swirling around Oh Hyeon-gyu (KRC Genk), who has been linked to a potential move to VfB Stuttgart in Germany’s Bundesliga. Coach Hong commented, “No official information has been received, and for now, we’re just waiting.” He also acknowledged, “While Oh delayed his flight by a day, there could still be developments during that time.”

Note “This article was translated from the original Korean version using AI assistance, and subsequently edited by a native-speaking journalist.”

Photo=Yonhap News Agency