Seol Young-woo (27, Red Star Belgrade) conveyed his exceptional determination.

Ahead of the 9th match in Group B of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian regional third qualifying round, the South Korean national football team will face Iraq in a fateful away game at Basra International Stadium in Iraq on the 6th at 3:15 a.m. (Korea time).

In a situation where they can secure a spot in the finals through this match, full-back Seol Young-woo conveyed his confident determination.

Seol Young-woo said through the Korea Football Association, "Many people are likely looking forward to whether this match will confirm our spot in the World Cup finals. I came with the mindset that we must do our best to achieve a good result."

Currently, Korea is leading Group B with 4 wins and 4 draws (16 points), and securing at least a draw against 3rd place Iraq (12 points) will confirm their spot in the finals. The national team entered Iraq on the 2nd and began local adaptation training.

In the midst of high temperatures reaching a maximum of 45 degrees during the day, Seol Young-woo said, "It was extremely hot and humid when we arrived at the airport. The players have played many games in the Middle East, but it has always been challenging. There are players in good and poor condition, but I think we need to prepare well for the play we want to execute to achieve good results."

After finishing this season, Seol Young-woo participated in 43 matches for Serbian First League champion Red Star Belgrade, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists, contributing to winning both the league and cup competitions. He stated, "This is my first full season in Europe. Oddly enough, I have been involved in more attacking points than when I was in the K League. I have assists with the national team, but I haven't scored yet. Recently, I have been doing well offensively, but I think our priority is to achieve results; if possible, I would like to score and win."

Feeling that he has grown through his experience in Europe, he explained, "Overall, I wouldn't say my skills have drastically improved. However, having collided with many good players in Europe, I feel more confident than before. That said, it doesn't mean I have gained a better position on the national team. There are always older key players, so I will continue to fulfill the role I have been doing."

Regarding his rise to a mid-level position within the national team, he commented, "I'm not someone with a lot of experience, but since the last gathering, I have become the oldest player in terms of age among the sidebacks. I feel a sense of responsibility and think I should share good advice with the younger players, but they are also players who do their jobs well. I have a lot to learn from them. Rather than talking about various things, I want to support them to prepare well according to their routines."

Regarding the brief hiatus before the national team gathering after the league's conclusion, he remarked, "Until now, I have come during the season. The long-distance flight and time difference have been challenging. It's only been a year since I went to Europe, so it has been tough. This time, I came in early to rest, and I feel mentally clearer than usual. My physical condition is really good," hinting at the possibility of starting in the match against Iraq.

This season has been special for the European players. Son Heung-min won the Europa League, and Lee Kang-in won the Champions League. Regarding this, Seol Young-woo said, "This season, players in Europe have lifted many trophies, and we congratulated each other. However, since players like Kang-in and (Son) Heung-min have won such significant tournaments, I feel overshadowed. It's disappointing, but it gives me confidence that I can lift trophies in better leagues and tournaments in the future. I also feel pride that a Korean has achieved this."

Seol Young-woo expressed his determination to contribute to securing the national team's spot in the finals against Iraq, while also conveying his dream to lift a trophy at a larger stage in the future.

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