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Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun rejoining Korean squad ahead of World Cup

Published: 16 Mar. 2026, 17:36

Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun [YONHAP]

Celtic winger Yang Hyun-jun has been recalled to Korea's national football team after nine months, earning a late chance to play in the 2026 World Cup in North and Central America.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo on Monday named Yang to a 27-man squad for friendly matches against Cote d'Ivoire and Austria later this month, just three months before the tournament kicks off.

The Taeguk Warriors will face Cote d'Ivoire on March 28 in Milton Keynes, England, before taking on Austria in Vienna on April 1.

Yang last joined the national team during the final qualifying round for the 2026 World Cup. He earned his chance after scoring six goals for Celtic since December of last year, including multiple goals the previous day.

Originally playing as a winger on either side, the 23-year-old has drawn attention for his versatility, excelling as a right wing-back and fullback for his club, a role that could perfectly fit Hong's preferred three-man defensive system.

“Yang Hyun-jun is in much better form than before,” Hong told reporters at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, South Chungcheong. “I believe a player who scored multiple goals is full of confidence. He definitely belongs on the squad, and his arrival could shift our structure on the right side.”

Belgium-based midfielder Hong Hyun-seok also returns after more than one year and four months, while Yang Min-hyeok of Coventry was left out after limited club appearances.

The latest selection features four changes from last November's list with Yang Hyun-jun, Hong Hyun-seok, Kim Ju-sung (Hiroshima) and Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City) replacing Yang Min-hyeok, Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan), Lee Myung-jae (Daejeon) and Won Du-jae (Khor Fakkan).

Striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, who has netted in three consecutive matches since joining the Turkish football club Besiktas last month, was also included, while overseas mainstays Son Heung-min (LAFC), Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) and Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) retained their places. Oh shares the national team's top scoring record with six goals alongside captain Son.

The squad will depart for Europe next Monday, with foreign-based players, including Son, expected to join in Milton Keynes.

Yonhap