Seoul: The South Korean men’s national football team is bracing for its most challenging match of the year as they prepare to host Brazil in a friendly at the Seoul World Cup Stadium this Friday. The match, set to kick off at 8 p.m., marks the ninth encounter between 23rd-ranked South Korea and 6th-ranked Brazil. South Korea has only clinched one victory in their previous eight meetings, suffering seven defeats, including a 4-1 loss in the round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea’s national team captain, Son Heung-min, is on the verge of making history. Son, who shares a record 136 caps with former players Cha Bum-kun and current coach Hong Myung-bo, is poised to surpass this milestone if he starts on Friday. Since transferring from Tottenham Hotspur to Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) in Major League Soccer in early August, Son has been prolific, netting eight goals in nine matches.
Son’s recent performances for South Korea have been notable, with goals in both of their September friendlies-a 2-0 victory against the United States and a 2-2 draw with Mexico. He is now just five goals shy of overtaking Cha Bum-kun as South Korea’s all-time leading scorer.
Having completed their Asian World Cup qualifying campaign in June and hosted an East Asian tournament in July, South Korea has faced only continental opponents in 2025. Their matches against top-20 nations like the U.S. and Mexico have been promising, but Brazil’s star-studded lineup, featuring talents such as Vinicius Junior, Bruno Guimaraes, and Richarlison, will present a formidable challenge.
Coach Hong Myung-bo is keen to test his back-three formation against a skilled Brazil side. Though traditionally favoring a back-four during World Cup qualifiers, Hong has recently employed a system with three central defenders and offensive-minded wingbacks. He has expressed a desire to keep tactical flexibility ahead of next year’s World Cup.
Jens Castrop, a half-Korean midfielder from Borussia Monchengladbach, is set to make his first appearance in South Korea. Castrop, who debuted against the U.S., is valued for his versatility and physicality. He expressed readiness for the Brazilian challenge, emphasizing his eagerness to contribute wherever needed on the field.
“I’m just happy to play football with the team and enjoy the time in Seoul,” Castrop remarked before a training session. His adaptability in midfield positions him as a valuable asset for South Korea as they prepare to face Brazil’s elite squad.