South Korea’s World Cup preparations just hit a speed bump. Bae Jun-ho, the 22-year-old attacking midfielder who was one of the team’s brightest sparks during qualifying, is doubtful for the opening match against the Czech Republic on June 12, 2026.
The Stoke City man is dealing with an ankle injury that has forced him into individual training sessions, separate from the rest of the squad. For a player who contributed two goals and three assists across eight qualifying matches, his absence would leave a noticeable hole in coach Hong Myung-bo’s lineup.
What the injury means for South Korea’s Group A plans
The match takes place at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, as part of Group A in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Bae earned his place on the 26-man roster announced in May 2026 on merit. The fact that he’s still included in the squad despite the injury suggests the coaching staff believes there’s a realistic path to fitness, even if the opener comes too soon.
