South Korea name World Cup squad: Jens Castrop call-up makes history

Castrop has been named in South Korea's 26-man squad Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images Share articleJens Castrop will be South Korea’s first player of dual heritage at a World Cup after he was named in Hong Myung-bo’s 26-player squad for this summer’s tournament. Castrop, 22, who plays for Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, had his international allegiance changed from Germany to South Korea in August 2025. Later that month, he received his first call-up, becoming the country’s first foreign-born, mixed-heritage player, according to FIFA. The midfielder, who has a German father and Korean mother, made 26 appearances in the Bundesliga during the 2025-26 season. He recorded three goals and one assist, while making five appearances for South Korea since his debut in September. Los Angeles F.C. forward and South Korea’s all-time record appearance holder Son Heung-min was also named in the squad, alongside regular internationals Lee Kang-in, of Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun has also been included. The 23-year-old has been a regular part of the team which clinched the Scottish Premiership title on Saturday with a 3-1 victory against Hearts. Midfielder Hwang In-beom had been a doubt for the World Cup after sustaining an injury while playing for Feyenoord, but head coach Hong said he had been assessed and was considered fit and healthy. “I cannot say his match fitness is perfect yet, but once we travel to the U.S., he will improve his form by playing in one of the two friendly matches,” Hong told a press conference. South Korea have two pre-World Cup friendlies against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador. Birmingham City midfielder Paik Seung-ho is also in the squad, as is Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan. He has scored two goals in 24 Premier League appearances this season. South Korea were drawn into Group A, where they will face Czech Republic (June 11), Mexico (June 18), and South Africa (June 24). Goalkeepers: Jo Hyun-woo (Ulsan HD), Kim Seung-gyu (FC Tokyo), Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai) Defenders: Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), Jo Yu-min (Sharjah), Lee Han-beom (Midtjylland), Kim Tae-hyun (Kashima Antlers), Park Jin-seop (Zhejiang FC), Lee Ki-hyeok (Gangwon FC), Lee Tae-seok (Austria Vienna), Seol Young-woo (Red Star Belgrade), Jens Castrop (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Kim Moon-hwan (Daejeon Hana) Midfielders: Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), Paik Seung-ho (Birmingham City), Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord), Kim Jin-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai), Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City), Um Ji-sung (Swansea City), Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton), Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD), Lee Jae-sung (Mainz), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) Forwards: Oh Hyun-kyu (Besiktas), Son Heung-min (LA FC), Cho Kyu-sung (Midtjylland) Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms