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South Korea Names 26-Man Squad, Includes First Dual-Heritage Player Castrop

5/17/2026

History

Castrop Makes History

South Korea announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The roster includes 22-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Jens Castrop.
Castrop becomes the first player of dual heritage to be selected for a South Korean World Cup team.
His selection marks a development that would have seemed unthinkable in Korean football only a decade ago.

Summary

Korean Forward Signs

FIFA approved his switch to South Korea on August 11 2025; he debuted versus the United States.
He joined 1. FC Köln’s academy in 2015, was loaned to 1. FC Nürnberg in January 2022, and a €450,000 option exercised in June 2023.
Borussia Mönchengladbach signed him on a contract in February 2025.
In the 2025/26 Bundesliga he scored three goals in a 3-3 draw with Köln in March 2026.
He was Player of the Month and received two red cards.

Summary

Hong Preps

South Korea’s coaching staff, led by Hong Myung-bo, is emphasizing high-intensity training to sharpen readiness before the World Cup.
Hong said the team must adjust to Monterrey’s lower altitude for the final group match after opening against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 11, 2026.
The Taegeuk Warriors will play friendlies against Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador in Utah, where Hwang In-beom’s ankle recovery will be monitored to restore fitness.

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Castrop Makes History

South Korea announced a 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The roster includes 22-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Jens Castrop.
Castrop becomes the first player of dual heritage to be selected for a South Korean World Cup team.
His selection marks a development that would have seemed unthinkable in Korean football only a decade ago.

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