▲ South Korean national soccer team defender Lee Ki-hyuk
Lee Ki-hyuk (26, Gangwon FC), Yang Hyun-jun (Celtic), and Eom Ji-sung (Swansea City, both 24) have been selected as wild cards for the men's soccer team at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. The three players previously competed in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
It is reported that the Korea Football Association submitted the final 23-man roster for the Asian Games men's soccer team, including these three players, to the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee on July 1.
While the Asian Games men's soccer tournament is restricted to players under the age of 23, teams are permitted to select up to three players regardless of age as wild cards.
Lee Min-sung, head coach of the U-23 national team, chose Lee Ki-hyuk, Yang Hyun-jun, and Eom Ji-sung as wild cards to strengthen the squad.
All three players participated in the North and Central America World Cup.
Lee Ki-hyuk played the full 90 minutes in all three group stage matches as a left stopper in the three-back defensive line, while Eom Ji-sung made substitute appearances against the Czech Republic and Mexico, and Yang Hyun-jun came on as a substitute against Mexico.
A common trait among them is their versatility in playing multiple positions.
Lee Ki-hyuk can play as a center-back, defensive midfielder, and full-back.
Eom Ji-sung can be utilized as a left or right winger and as a central attacking midfielder, while Yang Hyun-jun can play as a winger and wing-back.
Having won consecutive gold medals at the 2014 Incheon, 2018 Jakarta-Palembang, and 2022 Hangzhou Games, the South Korean soccer team is aiming for a fourth consecutive title at this tournament.
Winning the Asian Games grants players exemptions from mandatory military service.
Lee Ki-hyuk, Yang Hyun-jun, and Eom Ji-sung have not yet completed their military service.
(Photo: Getty Images)
※
Copying, redistribution, and unauthorized use in AI training are strictly prohibited.