'Super Sports Year' Begins in 2026... The First Shot Fired by Lee Min-sung's Squad, Embarking on a 'Great Challenge' for a Fourth Consecutive Asian Games Gold

[Financial News] The dawn of Korea’s 'Super Sports Year' in 2026 has arrived. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America and the Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games on the horizon, the Korean sports world is expected to be more vibrant than ever. Leading this grand journey is the South Korea national under-23 football team, led by coach Lee Min-sung.
The U-23 team, under Lee Min-sung’s guidance, will face Iran in their first Group C match of the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. The match is set for 8:30 p.m. on the 7th at Al-Shabab Club Stadium in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). This tournament is more than just a continental youth competition; it is expected to serve as a crucial milestone that will shape the course of Korean football this year.
This U-23 Asian Cup carries special significance. First, there is the immediate task of reclaiming the title after six years. Since winning the 2020 tournament in Thailand, Korea has failed to advance past the quarterfinals in both the 2022 and 2024 editions. For a nation that prides itself as Asia’s football powerhouse, restoring pride is urgent.


Even more important, this tournament serves as a prelude to the 2026 Aichi–Nagoya Asian Games, which kick off in September. Lee Min-sung has already been appointed as the head coach for the Asian Games squad. Korean football is aiming for an unprecedented fourth consecutive gold medal at the Asian Games. Essentially, this Asian Cup acts as a dress rehearsal for the Games and a test of Lee Min-sung’s squad’s competitiveness. Early victories in the new year are also vital for boosting morale across Korean football.
Lee Min-sung's team finds itself in a challenging Group C. They must compete against traditional powerhouse Iran, dark horse Republic of Lebanon, and the rapidly rising Republic of Uzbekistan. Iran, the first opponent, is a dominant force at the senior level in Asia but has shown relative weakness in U-23 competitions. Historically, Korea holds the advantage with six wins, one draw, and two losses. However, complacency is not an option. A strong start is crucial for smooth progress through the group stage.


The biggest threat is the third match against the Republic of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has emerged as a rising powerhouse, finishing as runners-up in both the 2022 and 2024 tournaments. For Korea, defeating them is essential to secure the top spot in the group. The Republic of Lebanon is making its U-23 Asian Cup finals debut, but their Middle Eastern unpredictability should not be underestimated.
Lee Min-sung’s squad has prepared thoroughly. Since taking the helm last May, coach Lee led the team to three consecutive clean-sheet victories in the qualifiers, securing a spot in the finals. The squad further honed their organization through a training camp in Saudi Arabia and by winning the Panda Cup in China (two wins, one loss). They also fine-tuned their match fitness with a 1-0 victory over Syria in their final friendly on the 26th of last month.
The roster is impressive. Key players from the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinal run—Kim Yong-hak (Portimonense Sporting Clube), Kang Sung-jin (Suwon Samsung Bluewings), Kang Sang-yoon (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), Moon Hyun-ho, and Lee Chan-wook (both Gimcheon)—have all joined the squad. Overseas-based talents like Kim Tae-won (Portimonense Sporting Clube) and promising K League players have created a balanced mix of youth and experience. Although defensive anchor Park Sung-hoon was sidelined by injury, Park Jun-seo was called up as a replacement to minimize any loss in strength.
Coach Lee Min-sung declared, "As this is the first tournament of the year for Korean football, we are determined to start well," adding, "Our minimum goal is to reach the semifinals."

jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter