Hong Myung-bo Empowers South Korean Players With Leadership Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Korea's national team head coach Hong Myung-bo is breaking from traditional coaching methods ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, placing unprecedented trust in his players to drive the team's success.

"If we let these players make their own decisions and hold themselves accountable, rather than passively follow instructions, then I think we will have a team that runs proactively," Hong explained during Saturday's squad announcement. His philosophy represents a refreshing departure from the rigid, top-down management style typically seen at major international tournaments.

Hong revealed his 26-man roster over the weekend, but the real story extends beyond the player selections—it's about his coaching methodology. With several weeks of preparation time available, the veteran manager is leveraging this window to foster player ownership and independence within the squad.

High-Altitude Training Strategy in Salt Lake City

South Korea faces a unique challenge in Group A, with all three matches scheduled in Mexico—two of them in Guadalajara, where the high altitude can significantly impact player performance. The Korean Football Association has strategically chosen Salt Lake City, Utah, as their pre-tournament training base, where the elevation closely mirrors the conditions they'll encounter in Mexico.

The squad will assemble in phases: six K League-based players depart Monday, while the European-based contingent arrives the following week. Friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador will provide crucial match fitness opportunities before the tournament kicks off.

These warmup fixtures carry particular significance for Feyenoord midfielder Hwang In-beom, South Korea's anchor in the defensive midfield position. Hwang has been recovering from an ankle injury sustained in March, and while Hong reports that his conditioning and training intensity look promising, the midfielder simply hasn't seen competitive action recently.

If Hwang can't regain full match sharpness, Hong may need to deploy Gangwon FC's Lee Gi-hyuk—officially listed as a defender but capable of playing multiple positions—in a midfield capacity.

Lee Gi-hyuk: The Squad's Wild Card

Lee represents the roster's most intriguing selection. At 25 years old with just one international cap, his inclusion is based primarily on an outstanding K League 1 campaign with Gangwon, who boasted the division's stingiest defence. Hong closely monitored Gangwon throughout the season and ultimately decided that current form and confidence outweigh international experience.

Whether this gamble proves inspired or reckless will only become clear once Lee faces the intense pressure of World Cup competition.

Son Heung-min's Evolving Role

Captain Son Heung-min is heading to his fourth World Cup, matching Hong's own record for most appearances by a South Korean player at the tournament. However, his 2024-25 statistics raise eyebrows—just two goals in 19 appearances across all competitions, with none in MLS play.

Hong isn't concerned. He attributes Son's reduced goal output to his tactical role at LAFC, where he operates deeper, below the front line, cutting off his traditional scoring opportunities. The coach emphasizes that Son's national team position differs significantly from his club role.

This explanation holds water—Son currently leads MLS in assists, demonstrating he remains highly influential even without finding the net regularly. The critical question is whether he can transition back into a more central, goal-scoring position when representing South Korea in Group A.

With Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa standing between Korea and advancement, goals from their captain aren't just desired—they're essential.

Realistic Ambitions for a 48-Team Tournament

Hong's primary objective is reaching the round of 32—the knockout phase in the expanded 48-team format where the top two teams from each of 12 groups advance, along with eight best third-place finishers. This target is pragmatic rather than pessimistic.

Group A is genuinely competitive, and a South Korean side with a fit Hwang In-beom and Son Heung-min deployed in his optimal role has a legitimate chance to advance.

"Once you get there, you don't know what's going to happen. I think we can even get to a place that none of us can imagine," Hong suggested. While coaches routinely make such optimistic statements, the real test will be whether empowering players with genuine responsibility during training camp produces a squad that truly believes in their potential—or simply one that enjoyed a pleasant preparation period in Utah.