Two central defenders and the goalkeeper have been completely changed. They aim for a 'no-goal victory.'

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Kuwait in the 10th match of Group B for the final Asian qualification round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to take place at the Seoul World Cup Stadium at 8 p.m. on the 10th.

South Korea has already secured a 2-0 victory against Iraq on the 6th, thanks to consecutive goals from Kim Jin-kyu and Oh Hyun-gyu, confirming their second place in the group with five wins and four draws (19 points), and ensuring their spot in the World Cup for the 11th consecutive time. This match is expected to be a festival for the team, who secured their spot, to share the joy with their home fans.

Although it is a festival, there is no excitement without a victory. If they do not lose in this match, Hong Myung-bo's team will head to the World Cup finals undefeated in the Asian qualifiers.

Ahead of the kickoff, the starting lineup has been revealed. South Korea will adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation. Oh Hyun-gyu will lead as the forward, with Bae Joon-ho, Lee Kang-in, and Jeon Jin-woo as the attacking midfielders. Won Du-jae and Hwang In-beom will fill the midfield, while Seol Young-woo, Kim Ju-sung, Lee Han-bum, and Lee Tae-seok will form the back four. Lee Chang-geun will guard the goal.

On the bench are captain Son Heung-min, as well as Kim Dong-hyun, Jo Hyun-taek, Park Jin-seob, Park Seung-wook, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Kim Jin-kyu, Choi Jun, Yang Hyun-jun, Kwon Kyung-won, and Jo Hyun-woo.

Compared to the starting lineup from the match against Iraq on the 6th, seven players have changed. At that time, Oh Se-hoon was at the forefront, with Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung, and Lee Kang-in as the attacking midfielders, while Park Yong-woo and Hwang In-beom played in the midfield. In defense, Lee Tae-seok, Kwon Kyung-won, Jo Yu-min, and Seol Young-woo coordinated, and the goalkeeper's gloves were worn by Jo Hyun-woo.

Since head coach Hong Myung-bo has hinted at a 'new face test,' many changes were expected for this match, but it seems likely that Kwon Kyung-won and Jo Yu-min will be the central defenders to avoid conceding a goal. However, in this match against Kuwait, Kim Ju-sung and Lee Han-bum will take on the responsibility of central defense instead.

Kim Ju-sung is a young defender born in 2000, recognized for his football intelligence and buildup skills, along with strengths in aerial duels, interceptions, and leadership.

Lee Han-bum, born in 2002 and two years younger than Kim Ju-sung, is emerging as a modern center-back endowed with strong physicality, aerial ability, two-footedness, and stable buildup skills. He secured a starting position from his first season at FC Seoul due to his buildup capabilities and can perform well in both left and right defense. Notably, the club Midtjylland took an interest in Lee Han-bum and signed him in August 2023.

The goalkeeper has also changed. Jo Hyun-woo, who had been consistently solid in performance, will start on the bench for this match. Instead, 'the guardian of Daejeon,' Lee Chang-geun, will don the gloves. Known for his stable buildup abilities and excellent reflex saves, Lee Chang-geun is a name familiar to K League fans. He frequently appears on the save lists of the month and will make his debut for the national team in this match.

Let’s watch to see if the newly formed defense can finish the last match of the final qualifiers without conceding a goal.

[OSEN]