South Korea Names Asian Games Football Squads with European Talent

South Korea has finalized its national football squads for the upcoming 2026 Asian Games, with the men's and women's teams set to compete.

The men's under-23 team, under the guidance of coach Lee Min-sung, boasts a strong contingent of nine European-based players. Among them are Bae Jun-ho of Stoke City, who also made the squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, and Kim Ji-su of Brentford FC, the youngest Korean to debut in the English Premier League. The youngest player in the squad is 2007-born Park Seung-su from Newcastle United. Three wildcard players over the age of 23 have also been included: Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic FC), Um Ji-sung (Swansea City), and Lee Ki-hyuk (Gangwon FC).

Coach Shin Sang-woo's women's national team will be led by experienced players Ji So-yun and Kim Hye-ri, both from Suwon FC Women. The squad consists of 23 players, with 20 currently playing in the WK League, South Korea's women's professional football league. International representation includes Choo Hyo-joo and Jeong Min-young from Ottawa Rapid FC in Canada, and Jeong Da-bin from Stabaek Fotball in Norway. Kang Tae-kyung of Seoul City FC earned her first call-up to the senior national team.

Both the men's and women's teams will convene in early September for intensive training. The draw for the football tournament is scheduled for July 23.