You can take care of 'national treasure' Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham).

The football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Kuwait in the 10th match of Group B of the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian third qualifying round, which will be held at Seoul World Cup Stadium on the 10th.

Korea secured a 2-0 victory against Iraq in an away match on the 6th, thanks to consecutive goals by Kim Jin-kyu and Oh Hyeon-kyu. Thus, Korea recorded 5 wins and 4 draws (19 points) and confirmed a place in the World Cup finals with one match remaining, finishing in at least second place in the group.

Korea achieved the remarkable feat of qualifying for the World Cup finals for the 11th consecutive time since the 1986 Mexico tournament. This marks the 12th World Cup finals appearance overall. In particular, the 11th consecutive qualification is the first in Asia and the sixth globally (Brazil, Germany, Italy, Argentina, Spain, Korea).

Korea's team captain and star player Son Heung-min missed the match against Iraq. Son, who pushed through an injury for the UEFA Europa League title with Tottenham, was still not 100% recovered. He also missed the late Premier League matches.

Coach Hong Myung-bo noted, "(Son Heung-min) is not 100% recovered in his foot. He could play for 20 to 30 minutes if he pushes himself, but it is not ideal. The season is now over, and he has suffered from injuries. It is not the time to push hard."

Ultimately, it is likely that Son Heung-min will also miss the home match against Kuwait. Instead, young player Bae Joon-ho has been called up.

The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced on the morning of the 7th, "Bae Joon-ho, currently part of the U-22 national team, has been additionally selected for the senior national team in preparation for the match against Kuwait. He will join the team starting from the re-assembly on the 8th."

Although Korea has secured a place in the World Cup finals, this is not the end. Korea needs to foster competition among players who can demonstrate their competitiveness in the finals. The younger players are fiercely competing for opportunities in Son Heung-min's absence. Bae Joon-ho also got his chance.

Coach Hong Myung-bo mentioned, "From this moment, we must transition to the World Cup framework, and I'm thinking of trying out some young players," hinting at the inclusion of Bae Joon-ho.

Jeon Jin-woo, the K League's top scorer with 11 goals, also made his appearance in the second half of the match against Iraq, alternating with Lee Jae-sung. Jeon assisted Oh Hyeon-kyu's goal in the 37th minute, recording his first attacking point for the national team.

Son Heung-min's absence is regrettable, but there are gains. With the addition of young players like Jeon Jin-woo and Bae Joon-ho, the competition within the national team has intensified.

[OSEN]