2026 World Cup: South Korea lose Cho Yu-min to injury

A major blow for the South Korean squad just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Centre-back Cho Yu-min has been forced to withdraw from the tournament after suffering an injury during Saturday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago.

A starter at kick-off, the Sharjah FC defender was substituted early in the second half after experiencing sharp pain in his foot. Medical tests revealed a torn plantar fascia, an injury requiring about eight weeks of rest, according to the Korea Football Association.

To fill the gap, the coach has called up Jo Wi-je, a defender playing for Jeonbuk Motors. Meanwhile, Bae Jun-ho, who also picked up an ankle knock during the same warm-up match, is expected to be fit for the World Cup.

South Korea will play their final warm-up match against El Salvador on Wednesday before kicking off their World Cup campaign on June 11 against the Czech Republic.

Nouya M'toama

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