When Paulo Bento finalized the South Korea 2022 World Cup squad, expectations carried a mix of heavy pressure and cautious optimism. Led by talismanic captain Son Heung-min—who raced against time to recover from facial fractures sustained just weeks prior—the 26-man roster blended European-seasoned veterans with emerging domestic talents. The Taegeuk Warriors arrived in Qatar aiming to escape the group stage for the first time since 2010, relying on defensive steel, dynamic midfield transitions, and opportunistic goalscoring.
The selection process carried intense scrutiny, particularly regarding tactical flexibility and fitness concerns across the core group. Bento opted for a balanced squad that ultimately delivered one of the tournament's most dramatic group-stage campaigns. Let's break down the individual player selections, positional strengths, tactical dynamics, and how this roster performed on football's grandest stage.
Goalkeepers
The goalkeeping department featured reliable experience, anchored by a veteran stopper who had commanded the penalty area through multiple international cycles.
- Kim Seung-gyu (Al-Shabab): The undisputed number one wore the gloves for every match in Qatar, providing calm distribution and vital shot-stopping.
- Jo Hyeon-woo (Ulsan Hyundai): Known for his heroic displays at the 2018 World Cup, Jo served as the trusted secondary option.
- Song Bum-keun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): The young domestic keeper rounded out the trio as the third-choice selection.
Defenders
Defensive solidity formed the backbone of Bento's tactical system, though physical fitness ahead of the tournament created tense moments for the coaching staff.
- Kim Min-jae (Napoli): Operating at the peak of his powers during his breakout European season, Kim served as the defensive cornerstone before suffering a calf injury that hampered him mid-tournament.
- Kim Young-gwon (Ulsan Hyundai): The veteran central defender provided crucial leadership alongside Kim Min-jae and scored a vital equalizer against Portugal.
- Kim Jin-su (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Recovered from prior injury heartbreak to lock down the left-back slot with relentless work rate.
- Kim Moon-hwan (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Energetic and disciplined on the right side of the back four.
- Kwon Kyung-won (Gamba Osaka), Cho Yu-min (Daejeon Hana Citizen), Yoon Jong-gyu (FC Seoul), Hong Chul (Daegu FC), and Kim Tae-hwan (Ulsan Hyundai) completed the defensive depth chart, offering various tactical solutions across the flanks and central cover.
Midfielders
South Korea's engine room combined high-pressing intensity with creative distribution, bridging the gap between defense and the frontline.
- Hwang In-beom (Olympiacos): Dictated the tempo in central midfield, covering immense ground and initiating transitions.
- Jung Woo-young (Al-Sadd): Acted as the defensive shield in front of the center-backs, breaking up opponent attacks.
- Lee Kang-in (Mallorca): Provided instant creative spark and pinpoint set-piece delivery off the bench and in starting roles.
- Paik Seung-ho (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Stunned fans with a long-range thunderbolt against Brazil in the knockout round.
- Son Jun-home (Shandong Taishan), Jung Woo-yeong (Freiburg), Kwon Chang-hoon (Kimcheon Sangmu), and Lee Jae-sung (Mainz 05) added tactical versatility and aggressive pressing capabilities across the midfield lines.
Forwards and Wingers
The attack centered around world-class pace on the wings and a late-blooming striking revelation who captured global attention.
- Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur): Wearing a protective mask, the captain played every minute of every match, providing the legendary 91st-minute assist that sealed qualification against Portugal.
- Hwang Hee-chan (Wolverhampton Wanderers): Missed the opening matches due to hamstring issues but returned to score the historic stoppage-time winner against Portugal.
- Cho Gue-sung (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors): Became an overnight national sensation by scoring two brilliant headers against Ghana, establishing himself as the primary target man.
- Na Sang-ho (FC Seoul), Hwang Ui-jo (Olympiacos), and Song Min-kyu (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors) provided further attacking depth.
Group Stage Performance and Tactical Execution
Drawn into Group H alongside Portugal, Uruguay, and Ghana, South Korea faced an uphill battle from the opening whistle.
The campaign began with a disciplined 0-0 tactical stalemate against Uruguay, where Bento's side successfully neutralized dangerous South American threats. Matchday two delivered a chaotic thriller against Ghana. Despite dominating large stretches and fighting back through a quickfire brace from Cho Gue-sung, the Taegeuk Warriors fell 3-2 in an end-to-end encounter.
Entering the final matchday, qualification required a victory against group-favorites Portugal. Conceding an early goal to Ricardo Horta put South Korea on the brink of elimination. However, Kim Young-gwon capitalized on a corner kick to equalize before half-time. In stoppage time, Son Heung-min drove fifty yards through open space before slipping a sublime pass to Hwang Hee-chan, who slotted past the goalkeeper to seal a famous 2-1 victory. Combined with other results, the win propelled South Korea into the Round of 16 on goals scored.
Their tournament ultimately ended in the Round of 16 against a formidable Brazil side. Though they suffered a 4-1 defeat, Paik Seung-ho's spectacular long-range strike provided a memorable consolation.
Legacy of the 2022 Squad
The 2022 squad cemented its place in national football history by displaying immense resilience under adverse fitness conditions. By blending established European stars with hungry K-League performers, the team proved that tactical discipline and collective spirit could overcome physical disparities against elite global competition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the captain of South Korea at the 2022 World Cup?
Son Heung-min captained the side throughout the tournament, wearing a protective carbon-fiber mask following facial surgery just weeks before kickoff.
How many goals did South Korea score in the tournament?
South Korea scored a total of five goals across four matches in Qatar: two against Ghana, two against Portugal, and one against Brazil in the knockout round.
Which players scored South Korea's goals?
Cho Gue-sung scored two goals, while Kim Young-gwon, Hwang Hee-chan, and Paik Seung-ho each contributed one goal.
Did South Korea reach the knockout stages?
Yes, they finished second in Group H behind Portugal, advancing to the Round of 16 where they faced Brazil.
