SOCCER: South Korea's Hwang healthy, if not match fit, ahead of World Cup

South Korea midfielder Hwang In-beom expressed confidence in his fitness ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, saying there is no reason for concern despite recently recovering from an ankle injury.

The 29-year-old midfielder was included in head coach Hong Myung-bo’s 26-man squad earlier this month after being sidelined since March. Hwang said he is ready to rejoin full training with the national team as they continue preparations in Utah.

“I can jump into training with the rest of the squad right away. There’s no need for concern,” Hwang told Yonhap News Agency.

The South Korea national football team midfielder admitted he still needs to regain full match sharpness but believes upcoming friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago national football team and El Salvador national football team will help him return to peak condition before the World Cup begins.

Hwang, who plays for Dutch club Feyenoord, has earned 71 international caps and remains one of South Korea’s key midfielders because of his energy, versatility and ability to play with both feet.

Some analysts suggested South Korea struggled in recent friendly defeats to Ivory Coast and Austria because of Hwang’s absence. However, the midfielder rejected that idea, saying the team has enough quality to compete even when players are unavailable.

“I don’t think we played poorly just because I wasn’t there,” Hwang said. “We have players that can always step in for people who aren’t available.”

Hwang was a regular starter for South Korea during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the team advanced to the Round of 16 after a memorable victory over Portugal before losing to Brazil.

At this year’s expanded 48-team World Cup, South Korea will face co-host Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic in the group stage.

“If we can all come together like we did the last time, I think we can bring joy to so many people back home,” Hwang said.

South Korea will play Trinidad & Tobago on Saturday and El Salvador four days later in Utah before opening their World Cup campaign against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 11. -Reporting by Nick Mulvenney; Editing by Kate Mayberry/Reuters