South Korea Replace Injured Cho Yu-min with Cho Wi-je in 2026 World Cup Squad
Cho Wi-je replaced injured center back Cho Yu-min on South Korea's final roster. The 24-year-old learned of his selection through media reports on May 31.
thehindu.comSouth Korea added defender Cho Wi-je to its final 2026 FIFA World Cup squad on May 31 after center back Cho Yu-min suffered a foot injury. Cho Yu-min was ruled out of the tournament following the injury, which occurred during South Korea's 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago on May 30.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo replaced him with Cho Wi-je, who had been serving as a training partner after strong performances for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Cho Wi-je spoke with reporters on June 1 before a training session at Zions Bank Training Center in Herriman, Utah. "If someone told me last year that I would be going to the World Cup in 2026, I would never have believed that," he said. " The 24-year-old learned of his selection through media reports on May 31, when the national team had a day off.
"I received so many messages from my family and friends, and I don't even know how to describe my feeling," Cho said. Cho Wi-je had played for Busan IPark in the K League 2 on June 1, 2025. He logged 106 matches across four seasons in the second tier before joining Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in 2026.
"Yu-min played such an important role in helping us qualify for the World Cup, and it was really tough to see him leave," Cho said. "To fill his void, I just have to perform as well as I can. " Cho described his playing style and physical attributes.
"When I play in the center back position, I can cover a lot of ground on either side with my speed," he said. "Then if I play on the right side of defense, I can also help on the offensive end. " He compared himself to Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, who will anchor South Korea's back line.
"He has so much experience battling top European players, and I want to pick his brain about that," Cho said. " Cho said he was also inspired by defender Lee Gi-hyuk, who impressed in his second international appearance during the win over Trinidad and Tobago. "The World Cup is not a tournament where you simply gain experience," Cho said.
Transparency
Reported by a single outlet. This score reflects source tier and factual specificity — corroboration is limited with one source.
Story details
Related Stories
CBS SportsEagles Trade WR A.J. Brown to Patriots for 2028 First-Round Pick
The Philadelphia Eagles traded wide receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots on Monday for a 2028 first-round draft pick and a 2027 fifth-round pick. Brown, who recorded 5,034 receiving yards with the Eagles, reunites with head coach Mike Vrabel.
Le MondeSerena Williams to Return in Women's Doubles at Queen's Club
The 44-year-old former world number one received a wild card for the WTA 500 event starting June 8. She has not competed since a 2022 US Open loss.
ESPNEagles Trade WR A.J. Brown to Patriots for 2028 First-Rounder, 2027 Fifth-Rounder
Philadelphia sends the three-time Pro Bowl receiver to New England in exchange for future draft selections. The move reunites Brown with head coach Mike Vrabel and allows the Eagles to manage salary-cap space.