Seoul: The men's national football team of South Korea is gearing up to conclude the year 2025 with a victory as they face Ghana in Seoul this week. This match serves as an opportunity for redemption for the Taegeuk Warriors, who last encountered Ghana during the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they lost 3-2.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea, ranked world No. 22, will host Ghana, ranked 73rd, at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Tuesday at 8 p.m. This game not only marks South Korea's final match of the year but also their first against Ghana since the World Cup clash. The South Korean team recently defeated Bolivia 2-0 in Daejeon, with Son Heung-min scoring a free kick and Cho Gue-sung adding a second goal.
Cho's comeback performance is noteworthy, as he played his first international match since March 2024 following knee surgery complications. His goal against Bolivia was his first since January 2024. Cho has a promising history against Ghana, having scored both goals in South Korea's 2022 World Cup match against them.
After rejoining FC Midtjylland in Denmark in August, Cho scored three goals in ten league matches, earning him a national team call-up. The 27-year-old forward aims to contribute again against Ghana this week. This match is crucial for South Korea as they prepare for the Dec. 5 draw for the 2026 World Cup, where maintaining their No. 22 ranking is vital to avoid falling into Pot 3.
The 48 participating World Cup countries will be divided into four pots of 12, with the top nine nations in the next FIFA rankings joining the host countries in Pot 1. South Korea's position in Pot 2 is at risk if their ranking drops, potentially facing top-20 opponents in the group stage.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo plans to start Oh Hyeon-gyu against Ghana, with Son likely playing as a winger. Oh has scored six international goals under Hong's management, while Cho remains a strong contender for the World Cup squad.
The competition for the goalkeeper position intensifies between Kim Seung-gyu and Jo Hyeon-woo. Jo, the 2018 World Cup goalkeeper, regained his position in early 2024 after Kim's knee injury. Since Kim's return in September, both have shared duties equally. However, Kim's recent hip injury during the Bolivia match may sideline him, making Jo the probable starter against Ghana.