Amid uncertainty regarding Kim Min-jae's participation in the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) Club World Cup, Bayern Munich has faced a critical test.

Ahead of the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled to be held in the U.S. this June, Bayern Munich, the German Bundesliga champion, has faced significant variables in its team composition. Kim Min-jae’s availability as a starting defender has become uncertain.

On the 7th (Korean time), TZ reported that "Kim Min-jae might not be able to take the stage in the U.S. due to visa issues."

The issue is that after participating in the 2026 North and Central American World Cup Asian qualifiers in Iraq in early June, Kim Min-jae might face obstacles to entering the U.S. due to his travel history in the Middle East. FC Barcelona's manager Xavi Hernandez has previously been denied entry into the U.S. due to his visit to Iran.

TZ analyzed that "there is a possibility that the U.S. government might make exceptions for participants in an international event such as the Club World Cup," but pointed out that the lack of clear regulations remains a variable. Records of travel to the Middle East have historically posed issues in U.S. entry inspections, and there have been no exceptions even for athletes.

There are internal concerns within the U.S. government that specific entry criteria for Club World Cup participants have not been established. This means that while the likelihood of Kim Min-jae receiving entry permission is high, no one can provide a definite answer.

Kim Min-jae is currently focusing on recovery. He has suffered from multiple injuries, including Achilles pain, foot injuries, and back pain throughout the last season, and has already been removed from the lineup for the remaining league matches of Bayern Munich.

German media reported that "Manager Vincent Kompany has decided not to field Kim Min-jae in the league’s 33rd and 34th rounds." There was no reason for Bayern Munich, who has already secured the league title, to push Kim Min-jae unnecessarily. This can also be interpreted as a precautionary measure ahead of the Club World Cup.

Kim Min-jae has played 27 matches in the Bundesliga this season, performing as a starting defender. He played a key role as a starting point for build-ups in every match and showcased top-level stability in the early season. However, from autumn, he has faced a series of injuries, including Achilles tendon and ankle issues, back pain, and colds, which have significantly impacted his performance.

It was even reported that he played while taking painkillers. He remarked that "it is better to break than to sit on the bench," demonstrating his strong will. The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) has rated Kim Min-jae as "the world’s best center-back," but the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) has warned of the potential for overwork.

Ultimately, the repercussions of overwork led to evident mistakes. In the Champions League quarterfinals against Inter Milan, he contributed to Bayern Munich's elimination by allowing a crucial goal opportunity, and he faced pressure when conceding goals in the match against Borussia Dortmund.

In response, Bayern Munich's Director General Max Eberl expressed his public dissatisfaction, stating that "Kim Min-jae's mistakes resulted directly in goals conceded."

While German local media expressed optimism about Kim Min-jae’s participation in the Club World Cup, Japanese media offered a somewhat different interpretation.

The World emphasized the possibility of Kim Min-jae being denied entry into the U.S., stating that "Bayern Munich will experience a significant gap in their defense." It particularly noted that "the absence of Japanese national team player Hiroki Ito will also seriously impact Bayern Munich's chances of winning the Club World Cup."

Such reports may have negatively exaggerated the situation that Kim Min-jae was facing. Notably, the content TZ reported that "the likelihood of being denied entry is low, and exceptions may apply" was omitted in Japanese media reporting.

In an interview with Bild, Kim Min-jae stated, "I do not want to leave this team. I just want to start next season healthily," clearly expressing his desire to stay. Within Bayern Munich, the focus remains on recovery and managing his stamina rather than finding a way to release him.

Kim Min-jae achieved the valuable accomplishment of winning the league title this season. Bayern Munich confirmed its title with an 8-point lead, thanks to the draw between Bayer Leverkusen and SC Freiburg, with two matches remaining. This marked the 34th victory overall, breaking the record for the most Bundesliga titles.

Having experienced winning the league title in his first year at Bayern Munich, Kim Min-jae has made a significant impact in the European stage through this trophy. Although he faced criticism and displayed an unstable performance in the latter half of the season, his contributions over the entire season were by no means insignificant.

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