The Hong Myung-bo team, which has secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup, is set to begin an in-depth evaluation of its strategy in the match against Kuwait. They are also expected to actively identify 'young talent'.

The South Korean national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will play against Kuwait on the evening of the 10th at 8 p.m. at Seoul World Cup Stadium in the final group stage match of Group B in the third round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup.

South Korea has previously recorded 5 wins and 4 draws (19 points) in 9 matches of the third round qualifiers, securing first place in the group regardless of the outcome of the match against Kuwait. This marks their 11th consecutive qualification for the World Cup.

Now, coach Hong's attention is turning to the World Cup. After winning 2-0 in the away match against Iraq on the 6th, he noted, "We will start preparing seriously for the World Cup."

In the match against Kuwait, Coach Hong is expected to experiment with new faces.

Coach Hong said, "Starting from the match against Kuwait, I will actively utilize young players." He also announced that he aims to create a festive atmosphere celebrating the World Cup qualification in front of home fans.

The most competitive position is, of course, the forward flank. Son Heung-min (Tottenham) is likely to miss the match against Kuwait after taking a rest during the Iraq away match due to a foot injury.

To fill the void left by Son Heung-min, young players will compete fiercely. Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City) has been called up ahead of the match against Kuwait, and Jeon Jin-woo (Jeonbuk), who is leading the scoring in this season's K League, has also joined the competition.

Jeon Jin-woo made his mark by coming on as a substitute in the Iraq match and assisting Oh Hyun-kyu (Genk) with a goal.

Bae Jun-ho was initially called up to the under-22 (U-22) national team but was later promoted to the senior national team.

There is also interest in whether Oh Hyun-kyu (Genk), who scored a goal in the Iraq match, will seize a starting position instead of Oh Se-hoon.

Many young players are also waiting in the defense line. Kim Joo-sung and Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland) are notable examples. In particular, Lee Han-beom is aiming for his first-ever appearance in a senior match. Choi Jun (Seoul), who came on as a substitute in the Iraq match, is targeting his senior match debut in the match against Kuwait.

It is also noteworthy whether a player will be changed to guard the goal. Kim Dong-heon (Gimcheon), who transferred from Incheon to Gimcheon Sangmu last year, has developed into a top-level goalkeeper in the K League and has received a call from Coach Hong. Since he was called up to the national team in March, he is also likely to start in the match against Kuwait.

Multi-position players, such as Park Seung-wook (Gimcheon), Park Jin-seob (Jeonbuk), and Won Du-jae (Khor Fakkan), are also aiming to participate.

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