Lee Kang-In
Paris Saint Germain · FIFA Intercontinental Cup · Midfielder · #18 · Korea Republic · 24 yrs
Lee Kang-In news
Atletico Madrid agrees Kang-in Lee deal
According to AS, Atletico Madrid has reached an agreement to sign Kang-in Lee from Paris Saint-Germain. The South Korean international is set to move to the Spanish capital in a deal worth €40 million. The package is expected to include €35m as a fixed fee and another €5m in variables. Lee is set to sign […] The post Atletico Madrid agrees Kang-in Lee deal appeared first on SoccerNews.
Why isn’t Son Heung-min starting for South Korea against South Africa at the 2026 World Cup?
With the qualification to the next round still up for grabs, Son Heung-min has been excluded from South Korea's starting lineup for the last group phase game against South Africa. South Korea heads into Matchday 3 of Group A with its qualification for the Round of 32 still hanging in the balance ahead of their final group match against South Africa at Estadio Monterrey. However, in a bold and shocking move, captain Son Heung-min has been left on the substitute bench for this decisive game. Son will begin the match on the bench due to a tactical decision by head coach Hong Myung-bo. While the Tottenham superstar is fully fit, he has struggled to produce in front of goal during the first two matches, prompting the manager to utilize him as a super-sub against South Africa instead. Instead, the starting frontline will feature PSG’s Lee Kang-in on the right wing, Hwang Hee-chan on the left, and Oh Hyeon-gyu leading the attack as the central striker. With this tactical adjustment, the South Korean manager has opted for the physicality of the Besiktas forward to serve as a target man against the athletic South African backline. Son’s struggles in this tournament trace back to the opening match against Czechia, where he took six shots but failed to find the back of the net. Just two minutes after Hwang In-beom scored a 67th-minute equalizer, Son was substituted for Oh Hyeon-gyu, who went on to score the game-winning goal in the 80th minute. Heung-Min Son #7 of Korea Republic shoots while Raul Rangel #1 of Mexico attempts to save. A similar situation unfolded during the second group match against Mexico. Son once again struggled to create dangerous chances, aside from a shot cleared off the line by Edson Alvarez, and was replaced by Oh early in the second half in the 57th minute in what would end up being a 1-0 defeat against El Tri. A rare bench appearance for the Korean captain Following his breakthrough onto soccer’s biggest stage, Son Heung-min quickly established himself as the undisputed superstar and captain of the South Korean national team. However, starting tonight’s critical match against South Africa on the sidelines marks an incredibly rare moment in the legendary forward’s international career. Since making his tournament debut in 2014, Son has featured in all 12 of South Korea’s World Cup matches across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 World Cup campaigns. He had started every single one of those fixtures and was subbed off just four times, making this clash against South Africa the first World Cup game of his career that he will watch from the dugout at kickoff.
Exclusive claims PSG player has agreed personal terms with La Liga team ahead, transfer price set
Kang-in Lee has moved a step closer to a move back to La Liga after agreeing personal terms with Atletico Madrid according to reports today.If you enjoy PSG Talk coverage and want to see more of it, a...
How to watch South Korea vs Czechia in USA: 2026 World Cup, Live Stream, TV & Preview
South Korea and Czechia will face each other in Matchday 1 of the FIFA World Cup group stage. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch this exciting clash live in the United States. Here are all of the details of where you can watch South Korea vs Czechia on US television and via legal streaming: WHO South Korea vs Czechia WHAT 2026 World Cup WHEN 10:00pm ET / 7:00pm PT • Thursday, June 11, 2026 WHERE Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling, Peacock Premium, FS1, Telemundo and Hulu + Live TV, STREAM WATCH NOW Match Overview South Korea enters the 2026 tournament with a legacy to uphold, having secured an 11th consecutive appearance after a dominant, unbeaten 16-match qualifying campaign. However, recent form against tougher opposition has raised questions, with losses to Ivory Coast and Austria creating a sense of urgency. While they registered commanding friendly wins against Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador, this opening match is the true test of their readiness to compete on the global stage. For Czechia, this match marks a momentous return to the world’s biggest soccer tournament after a 20-year absence. They arrive with a clear identity built on physicality, work-rate, and a formidable threat from set-pieces. Having lost just one of their last five competitive fixtures, the Czechs view this clash as a virtual playoff for advancing from a balanced group. The stakes could not be higher, as both nations know that a victory here could pave the way to the knockout rounds. Tactical Analysis & Match Context The paths these two teams took to North America could not be more different. South Korea navigated the Asian qualifiers with technical superiority, often commanding over 75% possession. In contrast, Czechia fought through tense European playoffs, relying on grit and organization to advance. This contrast sets the stage for a classic tactical battle where South Korea’s fluid, possession-based style will test Czechia‘s disciplined, low-block defensive structure. The game will likely be won or lost in the transition phases. South Korea will aim to use its creative talents, like Son Heung-Min and Lee Kang-in, to unlock a compact Czech defense. Meanwhile, Czechia will look to disrupt their rhythm and capitalize on dead-ball situations, where they scored a qualification-high 11 goals. The high altitude of the stadium in Guadalajara could also be a major factor, potentially slowing the pace and favoring the more physically imposing Czech side. Motivation is razor-sharp for both squads. With hosts Mexico favored to top the group, this fixture is widely seen as a direct contest for the crucial second and third-place spots. A loss for either side would create a difficult path to the knockout stage, meaning a cautious, strategic approach is expected. Neither team can afford to start their campaign with a defeat, transforming this opening match into a high-stakes tactical chess match from the first whistle. Head-to-Head Record & Historic Trends This match will be the first-ever competitive meeting between South Korea and Czechia, adding a layer of unpredictability to the encounter. While they have no shared tournament history, they have faced each other three times in international friendlies, with the results perfectly balanced. Their most recent clash was in 2016, a 2-1 victory for South Korea. Prior to that, Czechia secured a dominant 5-0 win in 2001, and the two nations played to a 2-2 draw in 1998. This split record, with one win apiece and a draw, suggests that on any given day, either side is capable of securing a result. While the high-scoring friendlies of the past averaged 4.0 goals per game, the intense pressure of a tournament opener makes a repeat unlikely. South Korea holds a mixed record against European opponents at the finals (6 wins, 6 draws, 12 losses), but their 2-1 victory over Portugal in 2022 proves they can compete with the best. Czechia‘s only tournament match against an Asian nation was a 1-1 draw against Ku
South Korea 2026 World Cup preview: Squad breakdown, key player, and tactical analysis
Full preview of South Korea for the 2026 World Cup, including squad breakdown, key players, and tactical analysis of their chances. South Korea enters the 2026 tournament having secured an impressive 11th consecutive appearance on the global stage. Ranked 25th internationally, the Taegeuk Warriors bring a roster that blends experienced European-based talent with an evolving tactical system. Among the FIFA World Cup 2026 teams, South Korea stands out for its disciplined approach and top-tier individual quality. Head coach Hong Myung-bo recently shifted the team to a back-three system, sparking discussions about their defensive stability and attacking fluidity. With star forward Son Heung-min preparing for what could be his final international showpiece, expectations remain high. He is joined by standout players like Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in. Drawn into Group A alongside co-host Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia, the team aims to advance past the initial phase. This World Cup 2026 team preview explores their tactical approach, personnel, and path to the knockout rounds. Team profile CoachHong Myung-boCaptainSon Heung-minNicknameTaegeuk Warriors, Tigers of AsiaFIFA ranking25thConfederationAFCGroupGroup ABest World Cup resultFourth place (2002)World Cup appearances12Last World Cup appearance2022 How South Korea play A thorough South Korea tactical analysis reveals a team built on relentless work rate and quick transitions. Historically, the team does not dominate possession against top-tier opponents. They averaged just 48% possession during the 2022 tournament. Instead, they rely on a disciplined mid-block that frustrates technical sides and creates counter-attacking opportunities. Under Hong Myung-bo, the South Korea formation has recently shifted toward a three-at-the-back system. This structure aims to maximize the offensive runs of their wing-backs while maintaining defensive solidity. Kim Min-jae anchors the backline, providing the recovery speed necessary to execute a higher pressing game when required. In midfield, Lee Kang-in offers elite vision and passing range, giving the team a creative outlet beyond relying solely on fast breaks. However, vulnerabilities exist within this setup. The team faces a perceived lack of depth in the full-back positions. Their defensive resilience will also face stern tests against the elite international soccer teams 2026 has to offer. If they can balance their defensive shape with efficient counter-attacks, this tactical approach could make them a difficult opponent in the knockout rounds. Hong Myung-bo: The coach behind South Korea Hong Myung-bo returned for his second stint as the South Korea coach in July 2024. Widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest players, he famously captained the national team to a historic fourth-place finish in 2002. His coaching resume includes leading the under-23 squad to an Olympic bronze medal in 2012. He also found domestic success with Ulsan HD, securing back-to-back league titles in 2022 and 2023. Myung-Bo Hong, Head Coach of South Korea (Lars Baron/Getty Images). Despite his status as a national icon, his recent appointment faced scrutiny from supporters demanding more transparency. Critics sometimes label him as tactically rigid, especially when his preferred systems fail to produce immediate results. His leadership and tournament experience will be tested as he attempts to guide this talented roster deep into the competition. Key player: Son Heung-min Son Heung-min remains the undisputed focal point among South Korea key players. The 33-year-old forward, who moved to Los Angeles FC in 2025, brings immense experience to the national side. Having debuted in 2010, Son has accumulated 142 caps and 54 goals. He has evolved from a rapid winger into a versatile attacker capable of dictating the offensive tempo. His two-footed finishing makes him a constant threat inside the penalty area. As the longti