Kim Min-jae Leads South Korea in World Cup Qualifier, Says Park Ji-sung

**Kim Min-jae** was singled out by former captain Park Ji-sung on 3 July 2026 as the cornerstone of South Korea's defence for the next World Cup qualifier, underscoring the centre‑back’s impact on the team's chances.

Park, now a technical advisor for the national side, told reporters that Kim’s aerial dominance and reading of the game set the tone for the back line. He noted the defender’s 96% tackle success rate in the last five league matches, a statistic that puts him among the elite in Europe. "When you have a player who can command the box and organise the defence, you instantly feel more secure," Park said.

Head coach Paulo Bento plans to deploy a 3‑5‑2 formation against the upcoming opponent, and Kim will anchor the three‑man defence. His ability to step into midfield when the team presses high gives Bento a flexible option to transition quickly. The coach also praised Kim’s leadership, pointing to his captaincy at Napoli and his role in keeping a clean sheet in 12 of his last 15 club games.

The match on 12 Sep 2026 will be Kim’s 70th cap, a milestone that could cement his status as South Korea’s most capped defender. A strong performance could also boost his market value, which analysts estimate at €45 million after his recent Serie A title. Moreover, a solid showing may earn him a spot in the Asian Football Confederation’s Team of the Year.

South Korean supporters have taken to social media, flooding the hashtag #KimMinJaeHero with praise. Former teammate Son Heung‑min posted a video highlighting Kim’s last‑minute block against Juventus, calling it "the kind of moment we need in the qualifiers." Pundit Lee Tae‑ho added that Kim’s composure under pressure could be the difference between a win and a draw against a traditionally tough Asian rival.

After the qualifier, South Korea faces a decisive home leg on 27 Oct 2026. If Kim helps secure a clean sheet in the first leg, Bento expects the team to adopt a more attacking stance in the return. The defender’s fitness will be monitored closely; he missed a week of training in early June due to a minor hamstring strain, but medical staff cleared him for full match action.

Park Ji-sung’s endorsement adds weight to Kim’s growing reputation as the backbone of South Korea’s defence. With the qualifier looming, all eyes will be on the 27‑year‑old centre‑back to see if he can translate club success into international glory.