The stage of proof has been set. How many will seize the opportunity? Coach Hong Myung-bo has put together a bold starting lineup focusing on young talent.

The South Korean national football team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Kuwait in the final match of the Group B phase of the AFC third round qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for 8 p.m. on the 10th at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

South Korea has already secured its place in the finals. On the 6th, they achieved a 2-0 victory against Iraq in an away match, marking the historic qualification for the World Cup for the 11th consecutive time. This is the first time in Asia and the sixth time overall worldwide. In Group B, South Korea (19 points) and Jordan (16 points) have both secured direct tickets to the World Cup.

Now South Korea aims to challenge for an unbeaten run in the qualifiers. Currently, the national team has recorded 10 wins and 5 draws in the North and Central American World Cup second and third round qualifiers, having not lost a single match. If they achieve at least a draw in their final match against Kuwait, they will complete an unbeaten qualifying campaign for the first time in 16 years since the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

In terms of objective strength, South Korea holds a significant advantage. South Korea is ranked 23rd in FIFA rankings, 111 places higher than Kuwait (134th). In head-to-head matchups, South Korea has dominated with 13 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses, including a recent streak of 5 consecutive victories.

Ahead of the match, Coach Hong Myung-bo's lineup was revealed. South Korea will start with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Oh Hyun-kyu will be the front striker, with Bae Jun-ho, Lee Kang-in, and Jeon Jin-woo in the attacking midfield. Won Doo-jae and Hwang In-beom will fill the midfield, while Seol Young-woo, Kim Ju-sung, Lee Han-beom, and Lee Tae-seok comprise the back four. The goal will be defended by Lee Chang-geun.

Compared to the previous match against Iraq, a remarkable 7 positions have changed. This reflects Coach Hong Myung-bo's decision to select players who have not had many opportunities in the past. Having already confirmed their qualification for the World Cup, he seems determined to treat this match as a valuable practical test.

The match against Kuwait will particularly serve as a stage of proof for the emerging players. Coach Hong Myung-bo noted at the homecoming site last week, "I believe we can sufficiently assemble a team with young players. This applies to both defense and offense," and he hinted at the idea of giving young players a chance right from this moment as he anticipates transitioning into a World Cup mode.

Young faces fill the lineup from front to back. Leading the charge is Oh Hyun-kyu (born in 2001), followed by Bae Jun-ho (2003), Lee Kang-in (2001), Jeon Jin-woo (1999), Kim Ju-sung (2000), Lee Han-beom, and Lee Tae-seok (all born in 2002) who have grabbed valuable opportunities.

The average age of the best 11 also dropped to 24.9 years. Excluding goalkeeper Lee Chang-geun, the average age of the 10 outfield players is only 24.3 years. Among them, there are as many as 5 players born after 2000.

Looking at individuals, Lee Han-beom is finally set to make his debut in an A-match, while Jeon Jin-woo and Kim Ju-sung are also getting their first chances as starters in an A-match. 'The Guardian of Daejeon,' Lee Chang-geun, will also make his first starting appearance. He made his A-match debut coming on as a substitute in the second half of a friendly against Qatar in 2020, but has not played in any match since then.

If they perform well in this match and impress Coach Hong Myung-bo, they could receive calls for next month’s EAFF E-1 Football Championship (East Asian Cup) scheduled in Suwon and Yongin. This is a critical opportunity for non-regular players dreaming of participating in the World Cup next year.

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