Determined to win the ASIAD gold medal, Asia's "big boss" fields a formidable squad featuring four World Cup stars.

The Korea Football Association officially unveiled the squad for the 2026 Asian Games, featuring four World Cup veterans and a host of players active in European leagues, demonstrating a strong commitment to retaining the men's football gold.

On the eve of the 2026 Asian Games,South Korean football issued a powerful warning to regional rivals by announcing a 23-man squad for the men's football event. The most notable highlight is the inclusion of four players who competed in the 2026 World Cup, reflecting their determination to defend the gold medal of the Asian Tigerswith nearly the strongest possible lineup.

According to the roster released by the Korea Football Association (KFA), head coach Lee Min-sung has fully utilized the three over-age player slots: midfielder Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), midfielder Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City), and center-back Lee Gi-hyuk (Gangwon FC). Additionally, midfielder Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), who remains eligible for the U23 tournament, has been called up after recently appearing in the 2026 World Cup.

Among these four players, Lee Gi-hyuk stands out as he started all three group-stage matches for South Korea at the World Cup. Eom Ji-sung came off the bench in two games, Yang Hyun-jun also made one appearance, while Bae Jun-ho did not play due to an ankle injury that had not fully healed. Nevertheless, the experience gained on the world's biggest stage is expected to make this quartet a cornerstone for the U23 team at the Asian Games.

In addition to the World Cup players, South Korea's squad includes up to nine players currently based in Europe, making them one of the most quality-packed teams in the tournament. Notable names include Brentford defender Kim Ji-soo, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yang Min-hyeok, and Newcastle United young talent Park Seung-soo. Significantly, coach Lee Min-sung has also placed his trust in the 2003-born generation, with 10 such players making the list, creating a balance between youth and experience.

Speaking after the roster announcement, head coach Lee Min-sung affirmed that the team's sole objective is to win the gold medal. He stated that the coaching staff has been monitoring and evaluating players since last year in order to build the most competitive squad for a short tournament like the Asian Games.

South Korea's U23 team enters the 2026 Asian Games as the defending champions, aiming for a fourth consecutive gold medal while pursuing their seventh title in history. With a squad featuring multiple World Cup veterans and numerous players from European clubs, the Korean representatives are once again regarded as the top contenders for the men's football gold. South Korea's deployment of a powerhouse lineup also serves as a stern warning to their rivals on the path to defending the 2026 Asian Games gold.

According to information from the organizing committee, the group draw ceremony will take place on July 23rd.