South Korea Announces Squad for Friendlies Against Brazil and Paraguay with Two J-League Players Included
Squad Announcement and Match Schedule
South Korea has officially announced its squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay with two J-League players included, marking a critical step in preparation for next year’s major tournaments. The Korea Football Association revealed the 26-man roster on September 29, 2025, signaling the start of an essential assessment and tactical refinement period. The matches are scheduled at the Seoul World Cup Stadium, with Brazil on October 10 and Paraguay on October 14.
These high-profile fixtures are attracting global attention, providing South Korea a chance to measure itself against two of the world’s most respected national teams. Both matches are considered a significant benchmark for tactical experiments, player evaluation, and team cohesion.
Squad Composition and Tactical Balance
The 26-man squad features a careful mix of experienced internationals and emerging young talents. The lineup includes three goalkeepers, ten defenders, nine midfielders, and four forwards, allowing the coaching staff to explore different formations. This mix ensures a balance between defensive stability and attacking creativity.
Players with experience in European leagues, MLS, and the J-League bring versatility and strategic depth. The coaching staff can switch from traditional four-back formations to three-back systems depending on the opponent, maintaining resilience while providing attacking options. The squad’s balance is designed to maximize both team discipline and offensive flexibility.
Leadership and Key Figures in Attack
Leading the team is captain Son Heung-min, now at Los Angeles FC, whose speed, finishing ability, and leadership remain central to South Korea’s offensive strategy. Son’s experience at club and international levels makes him essential for guiding younger players and orchestrating attacks.
Midfielder Lee Kang-in from Paris Saint-Germain adds creativity, vision, and technical proficiency to the midfield, connecting defense and attack seamlessly. Hwang Hee-chan, returning from injury, brings additional pace and counterattacking threat. Together, these players provide multiple attacking options capable of challenging even highly organized defenses.
J-League Players and International Experience
The squad also includes two J-League stars: goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu of FC Tokyo and defender Kim Ju-sung of Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Kim Seung-gyu, a veteran, provides stability and commands the defensive line. His experience will be vital against Brazil’s world-class attackers.
Kim Ju-sung, a young defender, has developed his skills in Japan’s competitive environment and now has the chance to prove himself internationally. Fans in South Korea and Japan will closely monitor their performances, observing how they adapt to elite international competition.
Midfield and Defensive Anchors
The midfield duo of Lee Kang-in and Germany-born Jens Kastrop offers creativity, tactical awareness, and stamina. Kastrop’s European experience complements South Korea’s traditional work ethic, aiding in both attack and defense. This pairing allows the team to control possession and respond quickly to counterattacks.
Defensively, Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae anchors the backline with his physicality, tactical intelligence, and ball-playing skills. His ability to organize the defense and initiate attacks from the back is crucial against Brazil’s potent forwards. Kim’s presence provides confidence to both seasoned and younger teammates.
Significance of the Friendlies
These friendlies are more than practice games. The clash with Brazil will test defensive resilience and the ability to manage elite attacking talent. Paraguay presents challenges with physicality and tactical discipline characteristic of South American football. For younger players, these matches offer valuable international experience and a platform to gain confidence against world-class opponents.
The coaching staff can use these games to experiment with formations, test player chemistry, and identify areas for improvement in both attack and defense, ensuring readiness for competitive tournaments.
Preparation for Future Competitions
South Korea has shown consistency in recent World Cups and Asian Cups, establishing itself as a top Asian football nation. These friendlies allow the team to further develop tactics, cohesion, and evaluate player performance against high-level opposition. Japanese fans will be particularly interested in the J-League players, adding regional engagement.
Every minute on the field serves as a benchmark for the team’s growth, helping ensure the squad is ready for major international challenges in the upcoming seasons.
Conclusion
South Korea announces squad for friendlies against Brazil and Paraguay with two J-League players included, blending experienced internationals, European-based stars, and emerging domestic talent. With Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in leading the attack, and Kim Min-jae anchoring the defense, the team is positioned to test tactics, strengthen cohesion, and prepare for upcoming competitions. Fans worldwide can anticipate thrilling performances as each match serves as a measure of the squad’s readiness for future challenges.
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