Hwang In-beom is ready to face Jordan

Hwang In-beom's importance in the team has increased through the previous match against Oman, but it is too early to guarantee that he will be fully utilized in the match against Jordan. Coach Hong Myung-bo expressed his concerns.

On the 24th, Coach Hong Myung-bo and Lee Jae-seong held a press conference at Suwon World Cup Stadium. The following day, on the 25th, at 8 PM, Korea will play the 8th match of Group B in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup Asian 3rd qualifying round against Jordan at the same venue.

Korea suffered a loss of power after drawing 1-1 with Oman on the 20th. Baek Seung-ho, Lee Kang-in, and Jung Seung-hyun were out. It is noticeable that two of the three are midfielders, especially those who play a big role in distributing the ball.

The hope is the return of Hwang In-beom, who was originally the center of the national team's passing. In the first place, Hwang In-beom was selected with the understanding that he would have a hard time playing in the Oman match and that he would only be able to play in the Jordan match. Baek Seung-ho and Lee Kang-in were players who were used in the midfield instead of Hwang In-beom due to his absence. If Hwang In-beom can play the full game against Jordan, this problem will be solved.

Regarding Hwang In-beom’s physical condition, Coach Hong said, “He is a little better than we thought. He is a little better than what we communicated with the club as a whole. His will is also very strong. It’s a bit difficult to say in advance that he will be 100% tomorrow. There will be a time when we need to protect Hwang In-beom. We will prepare for that through training today.”

This statement shows that he was a bit too ambitious in selecting him, considering that he would not be 100% recovered by the Jordan match. If there is room in the game, Coach Hong will take him out in the middle, but if not, he seems to want to use him for the full game.