Yongin: The training camp for the South Korean men's national football team has officially opened as they prepare for the upcoming East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Football Championship. Head coach Hong Myung-bo will oversee the early auditions of domestic league players ahead of next year's World Cup.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea is set to host the EAFF E-1 Football Championship starting Monday. The South Korean team will compete against China on Monday, Hong Kong on July 11, and Japan on July 15. All matches are scheduled to be held at Yongin Mireu Stadium, situated approximately 40 kilometers south of Seoul.
The initial training session was conducted at Seongnam Stadium, located around 20 kilometers north of Yongin. South Korea aims to secure their sixth EAFF title since the tournament's inception in 2003. As the EAFF event is not part of FIFA's international match calendar, clubs are not mandated to release players. Consequently, Hong's 26-man squad excludes notable national team mainstays based in Europe, such as Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. Instead, the squad comprises 23 players from the K League 1 and three from Japan's J1 League.
Looking ahead to the World Cup next year, the South Korean squad is expected to include veterans from Europe and the Middle East. Among the J1 League players, FC Machida Zelvia forward Oh Se-hun has been receiving opportunities and is anticipated to be a key player. This situation provides limited spots for K League players, making the EAFF tournament a vital platform for them to impress coach Hong.
Following the E-1 championship, South Korea plans to reintegrate its usual lineup for international friendlies in September and beyond as part of their World Cup preparations.
This iteration of the team includes nine players receiving their first senior national team call-ups. Notable call-ups include Pohang Steelers forward Lee Ho-jae, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defender Kim Tae-hyun, and Ulsan HD FC defender Seo Myung-gwan.
Several K League players are in strong contention for spots, having gained valuable experience in recent World Cup qualifying matches. Jeonbuk forward Jeon Jin-woo, who leads the K League 1 with 12 goals this season, is among them. Additionally, Machida Zelvia midfielder Na Sang-ho returns to the national team, making his first appearance since June 2023.