South Korea name World Cup squad: Jens Castrop call-up makes history
Jens Castrop shall be South Korea’s first foreign-born participant of twin heritage at a World Cup after he was named in Hong Myung-bo’s 26-player squad for this summer time’s match.
Castrop, 22, who performs for Bundesliga facet Borussia Monchengladbach, had his worldwide allegiance changed from Germany to South Korea in August 2025. Later that month, he acquired his first call-up, changing into the nation’s first foreign-born, mixed-heritage participant, according to FIFA.
The midfielder, who has a German father and Korean mom, made 26 appearances within the Bundesliga throughout the 2025-26 season. He recorded three objectives and one help, whereas making 5 appearances for South Korea since his debut in September.
Los Angeles FC ahead and South Korea’s all-time look file holder Son Heung-min was additionally named within the squad, alongside common internationals Lee Kang-in, of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun has additionally been included. The 23-year-old has been an everyday a part of the group which clinched the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday with a 3-1 victory towards Hearts.
Midfielder Hwang In-beom had been a doubt for the World Cup after sustaining an harm whereas taking part in for Feyenoord, however head coach Hong stated he had been assessed and was thought of match and wholesome. “I cannot say his match fitness is perfect yet, but once we travel to the US, he will improve his form by playing in one of the two friendly matches,” Hong instructed a press convention.
South Korea have two pre-World Cup mates towards Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador.
Birmingham City midfielder Paik Seung-ho can be within the squad, as is Wolverhampton Wanderers ahead Hwang Hee-chan. He has scored two objectives in 24 Premier League appearances this season.
South Korea have been drawn into Group A, the place they are going to face Czech Republic (June 11), Mexico (June 18), and South Africa (June 24).
South Korea’s 26-man World Cup squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyun-woo (Ulsan HD), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai)
Defenders: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Jo Yu-min (Sharjah), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Kim Tae-hyun (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seop (Zhejiang FC), Lee Ki-hyeok (Gangwon FC), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana)
Midfielders: Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham City), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Um Ji-sung (Swansea City), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Lee Kang-in (Paris) Saint-Germain)
Forwards: Oh Hyun-kyu (Besiktas), Son Heung-min (LA FC), Cho Kyu-sung (Midtjylland)
