Potential Selection of Joo Min-gyu for Korean National Soccer Team in March International Match

The Korea Football Association (KFA) is set to unveil the national team roster for the upcoming March international match, which will see Korea engage in the second round of Asian region qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup. Confirmed fixtures against Thailand are scheduled, with the first leg at home on the 21st and the return leg away on the 26th.

Following the 2023 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup, Korea bid farewell to coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who had been at the helm since March of the previous year. Despite his illustrious playing career, Coach Klinsmann’s tenure was marred by controversies, including alleged lack of focus on the national team due to frequent overseas trips and neglect of the K-League by staying abroad for extended periods. The coach expressed confidence in winning the Asian Cup, only to fall short with a disappointing finish.

Criticism of Coach Klinsmann peaked following the unsuccessful Asian Cup campaign, leading to his dismissal by the Strengthening Committee and subsequent replacement as head coach. An interim appointment was made in the form of Hwang Seon-hong, marking a return to domestic leadership for the national team after years under foreign coaches.

Expectations are high for potential changes to the national team roster, with particular interest in the inclusion of Joo Min-gyu, a prolific striker in the K League 1. Leading the scoring charts for three consecutive seasons, Joo Min-gyu’s consistent performance has earned him recognition as a top candidate for national team selection, a possibility ignored by previous coaches.

Under interim coach Hwang Seon-hong, attention has turned to the striker’s availability, as Joo Min-gyu continues to showcase his attacking prowess in domestic league matches. The striker remains modest in his aspirations for a national team call-up, emphasizing the importance of contributing to his club’s success before focusing on international duties.

Korea’s upcoming matches against Thailand hold significance in their bid to secure a top spot in the group, alongside China and Singapore. With two consecutive victories under their belt, a successful campaign against Thailand will solidify Korea’s position heading into the crucial World Cup qualifiers.