South Korea defender Cho Yu-min injured his foot during a 5-0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago in Provo, Utah, on May 31, forcing him out of the 2026 World Cup squad [1, 2]. Cho had to be helped off the field by medical staff in the second half of the match [1, 2].
The Korea Football Association announced Cho’s withdrawal from the tournament on June 1. An official said, "He will be out for eight weeks, and we decided he won't be able to play in the World Cup. He will return home and focus on treatment and recovery" [1].
Cho Yu-min, who currently plays for Sharjah FC, has earned 19 international caps and was part of South Korea’s 2022 World Cup squad [1, 2]. His absence leaves a notable gap in South Korea’s defense heading into this year’s competition.
South Korea is drawn in a group with Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic for the World Cup. The team is scheduled to play a friendly against El Salvador on June 4 before opening their tournament campaign on June 11 against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara [1, 2].
With Cho sidelined for an estimated eight weeks, South Korea will need to adjust their defensive lineup as they prepare for their upcoming matches [1, 2].