FIFA World Cup: The South Korean men’s national football team has made history by calling up Jens Castrop, the first foreign-born player of mixed heritage to wear the Taeguk Warriors jersey. Head trainer Hong Myung-bo established the presence of the 22-year-old midfielder as part of the 26-man team for September’s approachable matches in the United States, marking a significant step in the team’s arrangements for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
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Castrop was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2003 to a Korean mother and German father. Holding dual citizenship, he grew up in Germany and developed through its competitive youth football system. Until recently, he represented Germany at various youth levels, but after a formal switch of allegiance to South Korea, he is now set to make his debut for the senior team.
His decision to commit to Korea was long anticipated, as he had previously expressed interest in representing his mother’s country once his international future became clearer. The midfielder’s career began with FC Köln before he gained attention in the 2. Bundesliga mit FC Nürnberg.
World Cup: Korea Welcomes Fighter Castrop
His energetic playing style and physical presence helped him establish himself as a dependable midfielder. Earlier this summer, he signed with Borussia Mönchengladbach, one of Germany’s top-flight clubs, and made both his club and Bundesliga debuts in August. Despite his youth, his growth and resilience have made him a strong candidate for national duty.
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Coach Hong Myung-bo praised Castrop’s mentality and skillset when introducing him to the media. He described the midfielder as a fighter with a rugged style that brings something new to South Korea’s options in defensive midfield.
Hong emphasized that Castrop’s determination to play for Korea, along with his responsibility and consistency in the Bundesliga, were decisive factors in his call-up. The coach expressed optimism that Castrop could quickly adapt to his new environment and inject fresh energy into the squad as they continue to evolve ahead of the World Cup.
The national team has already secured its place at the 2026 tournament, which gives Hong Kong room to test new players and tactical systems. The friendlies in the United States are seen as ideal opportunities to experiment with different formations, particularly the three-back system trialed during the East Asian Football Federation (EAFF) E-1 Championship in July.
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Hong explained that both opponents, the United States and Mexico, are known for their pace and physical strength, making them valuable tests for Korea’s preparations. The upcoming fixtures will take place on September 7 against the U.S. in Harrison, New Jersey, followed by a clash with Mexico on September 10 in Nashville, Tennessee.
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Both matches are expected to draw large crowds, especially with the Korean squad featuring several high-profile names. Among the headline players is captain Son Heung-min, who recently moved to Major League Soccer after leaving Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League.
Son joined Los Angeles FC earlier this summer and has already begun making an impact, scoring his first goal for the club in his third appearance against FC Dallas. Hong noted that Son’s early success in adapting to a new league is encouraging for the national team. The coaching staff will monitor his progress closely to ensure he maintains his form while avoiding injuries.
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Other European-based stars are also back in the lineup. Defender Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, recovering from an ankle injury, returns to anchor the defense. Their presence ensures that Korea can rely on a blend of established talent and emerging prospects.
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Alongside Castrop, winger Jeong Sang-bin was another noteworthy inclusion. The St. Louis City SC player has not appeared for the senior national team since 2021, but has been in good form in Major League Soccer.
Hong pointed out that Jeong’s U.S.-based schedule means he will not face the same travel challenges as some of his teammates, making this a convenient opportunity to evaluate him again. The coach highlighted that the September friendlies are not only about immediate results but also about fine-tuning strategies that could be crucial in 2026.
He stressed the importance of quick transitions from defense to attack, especially against teams like the U.S. and Mexico that excel in pressing and counterattacking. The emphasis on adaptability and tactical experimentation reflects Korea’s broader goal of staying competitive on the global stage.
Football World Cup 2026: Rising Star Castrop Joins Kore
For Castrop, the call-up represents a personal milestone and a historic moment for Korean football. As the first foreign-born player of mixed heritage to join the men’s national side, his inclusion symbolizes the growing diversity of the squad and the Korean Football Association’s willingness to embrace talent from different backgrounds.
His dual identity and experiences in German football may bring fresh perspectives and strengthen Korea’s midfield depth. The spotlight will be on how quickly Castrop adjusts to his new teammates and style of play.
With the World Cup still more than a year away, he has time to integrate and build chemistry with key figures such as Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in. If his Bundesliga performances are any indication, he could develop into a vital component of the squad by the time the tournament arrives.
For Hong Myung-bo, the immediate task is balancing player development with maintaining the team’s competitive edge. For Castrop, it is the beginning of a new chapter where he steps onto the international stage not as a German youth prospect but as a Taeguk Warrior ready to contribute to his mother’s homeland.
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FAQs
Q1: Who is Jens Castrop, and why is his call-up historic for South Korea?
Jens Castrop is a 22-year-old midfielder born in Germany to a Korean mother and German father. His call-up is historic because he is the first foreign-born mixed-heritage player to join the South Korean men’s national football team.
Q2: When and where will South Korea play their upcoming friendlies?
South Korea will face the United States on September 7, 2025, in Harrison, New Jersey, and then play Mexico on September 10, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee.
Q3: How can fans buy FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets?
Fans can buy official and premium FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets at trusted platforms like worldwideticketsandhospitality.com, which offers secure booking for matches, including semi-final and final tickets.
Q4: Which star players are included in South Korea’s squad?
Key players include Son Heung-min of LAFC, Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich, Lee Kang-in of PSG, and Lee Jae-sung of Mainz. Newcomers like Jens Castrop and Jeong Sang-bin are also featured.
Q5: What tactics will South Korea test during the U.S. friendlies?
Coach Hong Myung-bo plans to experiment with tactical flexibility, focusing on quick transitions, counterattacking strategies, and testing the three-back formation used in previous tournaments.
