Hong Myung-Bo Prepares Korea Republic Without Injured FIFA World Cup Star Kim Min-Jae
Korea Republic head coach Hong Myung-bo is getting ready for a big FIFA World Cup test against Brazil. But his plans face trouble as star defender Kim Min-jae is not fully fit. Kim’s injury has raised doubts about whether he can play.
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Korea will face Brazil, ranked sixth in the FIFA world rankings, on October 10 at 8 p.m. at Seoul World Cup Stadium. Four days later, Korea will play Paraguay at the same stadium.
Kim Min-jae, 29, plays for Bayern Munich. He is known as the iron wall of Korea’s defense. But his fitness is now a major worry. Kim got injured on October 1 during Bayern’s Champions League away match in Paphos, Cyprus. He hurt his foot in the first half but stayed on the pitch and finished the game.
That decision may have made things worse. Many believe Bayern Munich did not manage his condition properly. Despite the injury, the club included Kim in their squad for the Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt on October 5. Kim was not ready to play, yet he was taken along and sat on the bench.
Kim Min-jae Injury Raises Doubts Ahead of Football World Cup
Munich won the match 3–0, but it was a tough night for Kim. He watched from the sidelines with pain in his foot and shoulder. Even though he didn’t play, he had to travel and prepare like the others. Fans and Korean media questioned why Bayern took the risk.
German reporter Philipp Kessler from TZ said Kim’s injury was more serious than first thought. He reported that Kim hurt his foot and also damaged his shoulder joint capsule during the Paphos game. Kessler said Bayern did not want to take chances, but head coach Vincent Kompany still added Kim to the match squad in case of emergencies. That choice has now drawn criticism.
The issue is now a problem for Korea’s national team. Coach Hong Myung-bo must decide how to prepare for Brazil without knowing if his top defender will play. Kim arrived in Korea on October 7 and joined the national team camp.
The team trained that afternoon in Goyang. Kim joined the session but only trained lightly. He stretched, jogged, and did simple ball exercises. Even with his effort to train, there is no guarantee he will play. His condition is still uncertain. To avoid making things worse, Coach Hong may need to plan the match without him.
Hong selected 11 defenders for this international break. The center-backs include Kim Min-jae, Kim Ji-soo, Cho Yu-min, and Kim Ju-seong. If Kim cannot play, the other three are expected to form a back three against Brazil. It will be a big challenge for them to handle Brazil’s quick and skillful attackers.
Kim Min-jae Fitness Doubts Ahead of FIFA World Cup
Korea has faced a similar problem before. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Kim was injured in the match against Uruguay. He missed the next game against Ghana, and the defense struggled without him. The same situation could happen again if Kim is ruled out of these matches.
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For Hong Myung-bo, it’s a difficult situation. Kim is one of the team’s leaders. His experience and presence give confidence to the players around him. But the coach must also think long-term. Forcing Kim to play too soon could make the injury worse and affect his future, including the 2026 World Cup.
Brazil will be a tough opponent. Their attack is full of stars who can score at any time. Korea must stay focused, organized, and strong in defense, even without its best player. Hong is working to make sure the team is ready, no matter who starts.
He has told his players to stay positive and prepare to fight as a team. Injuries are part of football, Hong reminded them during training. Everyone must be ready. Fans are worried but also hopeful. They know Kim wants to play for his country.
Korea’s Iron Wall Kim Min-jae Could Miss FIFA World Cup Semi-Final
His decision to join training despite being hurt shows his passion and loyalty. But many fans also hope the team protects him. They want to see him healthy for future matches, not risking everything for one friendly.
The medical staff will continue checking his condition. A final decision on whether he plays against Brazil will likely come just before the match. Until then, the coaching team is preparing for both possibilities, with or without Kim Min-jae.
No matter what happens, Kim’s spirit and leadership remain important for Korea. Even if he cannot play, his presence in the squad will motivate his teammates. The focus for now is clear: protect Kim’s health and prepare the team to face one of the world’s strongest sides.
South Korea’s friendly against Brazil will test not only their tactics but also their depth and character. For Coach Hong Myung-bo, it is a chance to build confidence ahead of bigger challenges. For Kim Min-jae, it is a race against time to recover. The entire nation will be watching closely to see if their iron wall can stand tall once again.
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FAQs
1. What is the difference between the FIFA World Cup and the Football World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is the official international tournament organized by FIFA, featuring national football teams from around the world. The term Football World Cup is often used interchangeably to describe the same event, especially in countries where the sport is commonly called “football” instead of “soccer.”
2. When will the FIFA World Cup 2026 take place?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to be held from June to July 2026. It will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams competing for the prestigious trophy.
3. How can national teams prepare for the FIFA World Cup?
Teams usually participate in friendly matches, training camps, and regional tournaments to prepare for the FIFA World Cup. These matches help coaches assess players, refine tactics, and build team chemistry before the main tournament.
4. Who are some of the key players to watch in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Fans can expect to see top stars from around the world, including established defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Players like Kim Min-jae from South Korea are gaining attention for their performances and could play crucial roles for their national teams.
5. How do friendly matches impact a team’s performance in the World Cup?
Friendly matches allow teams to test strategies, evaluate new players, and adjust formations without the pressure of official tournament points. Strong performances in these games can boost confidence and help teams enter the FIFA World Cup in peak form.
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