SEOUL – Hong Hyun-seok, a young South Korean midfielder, is set to make his World Cup qualifying debut this month, a significant step in his rapidly ascending football career. The 24-year-old, who has previously only watched World Cup qualifiers on television, expressed his excitement about participating in the upcoming matches.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Yonhap News Agency, the team is preparing for two crucial Group C matches in the second round of the Asian World Cup qualifying tournament. The first game is against Singapore in Seoul, followed by a match against China in Shenzhen. Hong, who plays for KAA Gent in Belgium and made his senior international debut in June, has been gaining recognition in South Korean football, especially after helping the team secure a gold medal at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last month.
Veteran midfielder Hwang In-beom recently praised Hong's progress, noting that his rise has been an inspiration. In response, Hong expressed humility, acknowledging Hwang's compliments and admitting that he still has a lot to learn and improve, particularly in aspects like shooting, passes, and first touch.
Hong and Hwang, who has 47 caps at age 27, are both contenders for the central midfielder position in the national team. Hong remarked on the importance of physicality in the upcoming matches, emphasizing his need to win one-on-one battles and asserting himself defensively against the physical teams they will face in the qualifiers.
Jeong Woo-yeong, Hong's friend and teammate, is also preparing for the qualifiers. Jeong, a seasoned player in World Cup qualifiers and participant in the World Cup tournament last November, led the under-24 tournament at the Asian Games with eight goals and recently scored in South Korea's 6-0 victory over Vietnam.
Jeong, who plays as an attacking midfielder, sees the internal competition within the team as a source of motivation. Looking ahead to the next World Cup in 2026, Jeong aims to take on a more significant role in the national team, building on his experiences from the last World Cup and the Asian Games.