The South Korean national soccer team has announced its lineup for the match against Saudi Arabia on September 22, aiming for a fourth consecutive victory. Although the match is crucial for securing the top spot in the group, head coach Lee Min-sung has opted to keep key players Yang Hyun-jun and Bae Jun-ho on the bench.
The match will take place at the Mizuho Park Rugby Stadium in Nagoya as part of the D Group's second round of the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. Following Iraq's withdrawal, the group consists of only three teams: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. With Qatar already eliminated after two losses, both South Korea and Saudi Arabia have secured their spots in the quarterfinals. However, the outcome of this match will determine the group winner, with the second-place team likely facing the challenging Uzbekistan in the next round.
Despite the stakes, Coach Lee has chosen not to field his strongest lineup. In a 4-2-3-1 formation, Kim Myung-jun will lead the attack. Lee Young-jun, who joined the team the day before, will be ready on the bench. Supporting him in the midfield will be Yang Min-hyuk, Lee Hyun-joo, and Eom Ji-sung. The midfield will feature captain Lee Gi-hyuk and Lee Seung-won working together. The backline remains unchanged from the first match, consisting of Kim Ji-soo, Choi Seok-hyun, Shin Min-ha, and Bae Hyun-seo, with Kim Jun-hong guarding the goal.
Meanwhile, a draw in this match would be enough for South Korea to secure the top position in the group. After their 4-1 victory against Qatar, they hold a one-goal advantage in goal difference over Saudi Arabia.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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