Yang Hyun-jun returns to Hong Myung-bo's squad after 9 months as Austria also names full-strength side

[Financial News] With only three months left until the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the South Korea national football team under Hong Myung-bo has brought back Yang Hyun-jun of Celtic, who has been showcasing his versatility in Scotland, after a nine-month absence. Their opponents, Austria, have also signaled a tight contest on European soil by calling up a full-strength squad featuring David Alaba of Real Madrid Club de Fútbol (Real Madrid).
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo officially announced a 27-man squad for the March European away double-header at Korea Football Park in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, on the 16th.
The most eye-catching change in this squad is clearly the selection of Yang Hyun-jun. Since the final round of World Cup qualifying last June, he had repeatedly missed out on Hong’s call-ups, but he has recently seized his chance by producing outstanding performances for his club, including a multi-goal game.
His tactical flexibility, which allows him to play comfortably as a right wing-back and full-back, is expected to be a major asset for a national team that is refining a back-three system as its Plan A. Hong said, "His recent performances and confidence have been very good, so I felt it was only natural to bring him in," expressing high expectations.


Hong Hyun-seok of K.A.A. Gent, who can operate both in midfield and on the flanks, has also made a surprise return after a year and four months. By contrast, players such as Yang Min-hyeok of Coventry City Football Club, who has struggled for a regular starting spot at club level, have been left out. Captain Son Heung-min of Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC), along with Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain Football Club (PSG) and Kim Min-jae of Munich, are among the established Europe-based core who have been included as expected. Hyeon-gyu Oh of Beşiktaş J.K., who recently moved to Türkiye and has scored in three consecutive matches, also made the list and is set to bolster the attack with his sharp finishing.

The South Korean team will depart on the 23rd. They will face Côte d'Ivoire in their first friendly at 11 p.m. on the 28th (Korea Standard Time) in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom, before moving to Vienna, the capital of Austria, for a clash with Austria at 3:45 a.m. on April 1.
Austria, coached by Ralf Rangnick, announced a 28-man elite squad for the match against South Korea on the 17th, effectively declaring an all-out effort. Despite being injured, Alaba, who serves as the team’s central figure, has been included, along with key players from Europe’s top leagues such as Konrad Laimer of Munich, Kevin Danso of Tottenham Hotspur, and Marcel Sabitzer of Borussia Dortmund (BVB).
Ranked 24th in the world by Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Austria is a strong side that secured direct qualification for the World Cup by finishing first in Group H of the European qualifiers, built on solid organization.
Laimer currently plays alongside Kim Min-jae at club level, while Danso previously shared the pitch with Son Heung-min at Tottenham. Their presence raises the prospect of several intriguing matchups on the field.

jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter