South Korea World Cup squad hit by injury woes

Midfielder Paik Seung-ho latest player to suffer setback ahead of tournament

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Korea's preparations for the 2026 World Cup have suffered another blow as midfielder Paik Seung-ho sustained a shoulder injury, joining a growing list of absentees just four months before the tournament. Paik, who plays for Birmingham City in the English Championship, was injured during his club's match against West Bromwich Albion.

Why it matters

The South Korean national team has been plagued by injuries to key players in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, which could significantly impact their chances of success in the tournament. Paik's absence adds to the team's woes as they try to finalize their squad and tactics.

The details

Paik Seung-ho, a 28-year-old midfielder who plays for Birmingham City, sustained a shoulder injury during his club's Championship match against West Bromwich Albion at St Andrew's in Birmingham. This latest setback joins a growing list of injuries to South Korea's World Cup squad, just four months before the start of the tournament.

  • Paik Seung-ho was injured on February 11, 2026 during Birmingham City's match against West Bromwich Albion.

The players

Paik Seung-ho

A 28-year-old midfielder who plays for Birmingham City in the English Championship.

Birmingham City

The English football club that Paik Seung-ho plays for in the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion

The opposing team that Birmingham City was playing against when Paik Seung-ho sustained his injury.

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The takeaway

South Korea's preparations for the 2026 World Cup have been severely disrupted by a series of injuries to key players, including the latest setback to midfielder Paik Seung-ho. The national team will need to carefully manage its squad and tactics to overcome these challenges and field a competitive team for the tournament.