A shock for the South Korean team.

Just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, the South Korean national team suffered a serious blow when their key central defender, Cho Yu-min, was unable to participate due to injury.

Cho Yu-min was unable to participate in the 2026 World Cup at the last minute.

The incident occurred during a friendly match between Cho Yu-min and Trinidad & Tobago, which Cho Yu-min won 5-0 in the US on June 1st. While attempting to tackle an opponent early in the second half, Cho Yu-min suddenly collapsed on the court, clutching his right foot in pain.

The scene that followed was heartbreaking for many. As the medical team entered the field to attend to him, the 29-year-old central defender repeatedly covered his face, looking distraught as if he had foreseen the worst. He had to be helped off the field by medical staff and was almost unable to move on his own.

Those concerns quickly became a reality. The Korea Football Association (KFA) has confirmed that Cho Yu-min suffered a partial tear of the plantar fascia in his right foot. According to medical examinations, the Sharjah player is expected to be sidelined for approximately eight weeks for treatment and recovery.

With a prolonged recovery period, Cho Yu-min's chances of participating in the 2026 World Cup have come to an end. The KFA announced that the central defender will soon return to South Korea to focus on his treatment instead of continuing to travel with the national team in the United States.

To cope with the unexpected loss, coach Hong Myung-bo called up young center-back Cho Wi-je of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors as a replacement.

Yu-min's absence is a major blow to South Korea's ambitions. He is a key player in the defense with his extensive experience. In the third round of the World Cup qualifiers in Asia, the 1997-born center-back played the full 90 minutes in seven consecutive matches.

At the 2026 World Cup, South Korea is in Group A alongside the Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa.

Source: https://znews.vn/cu-soc-voi-tuyen-han-quoc-post1656611.html