Kim Min-jae
Korea Republic
DEF
Age
29
Appearances
3
Tackles won
2
About Kim Min-jae
Kim Min-jae is a confirmed centre-back in South Korea's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, named in the final 26 on 16 May 2026 under head coach Hong Myung-bo. The Bayern Munich defender is 29 at kick-off and brings 77 senior caps and four international goals into the tournament, his second World Cup after a Round-of-16 run at Qatar 2022.
South Korea were drawn in Group A with Mexico, South Africa and Czech Republic, and open their campaign in Zapopan on 11 June. Hong's side reached the finals by winning their AFC third-round group, sealed in June 2025, and raced through that qualifying run unbeaten. Kim is one of the senior defenders in a squad captained by Son Heung-min.
South Korea were drawn in Group A with Mexico, South Africa and Czech Republic, and open their campaign in Zapopan on 11 June. Hong's side reached the finals by winning their AFC third-round group, sealed in June 2025, and raced through that qualifying run unbeaten. Kim is one of the senior defenders in a squad captained by Son Heung-min.
World Cup 2026 Stats
Appearances
3
Minutes played
245
Tackles won
2
Interceptions
2
Clearances
6
Blocks
1
Playing Style
Kim is a ball-playing centre-back, rated as much for his composure in possession as for his defending. He reads danger early, competes well in the air, and is comfortable carrying or passing the ball out to start moves from deep, a profile that suits a side that likes to build from the back.
That range lets South Korea progress play through the centre rather than going long, while his recovery defending gives the line a senior presence in one-against-one situations. In Hong's 3-4-3 he features in central defence.
That range lets South Korea progress play through the centre rather than going long, while his recovery defending gives the line a senior presence in one-against-one situations. In Hong's 3-4-3 he features in central defence.
World Cup History
Kim has played at one previous World Cup. At Qatar 2022 he helped South Korea out of the group stage, keeping a clean sheet against Uruguay before a right calf injury hampered him during the match against Portugal. South Korea went through to the Round of 16, where they were beaten 4-1 by Brazil, and Kim did not score at the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup is his second senior World Cup, this time under Hong Myung-bo. He brings 77 caps and four international goals into the squad, with the Group A campaign beginning against Czech Republic on 11 June.
The 2026 World Cup is his second senior World Cup, this time under Hong Myung-bo. He brings 77 caps and four international goals into the squad, with the Group A campaign beginning against Czech Republic on 11 June.
National Team
Korea Republic
Tier 4
£10m
📋 Teammates (21)
View teamGoalkeepers
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Goal Rush Impact
Kim Min-jae gives South Korea's Goal Rush pick its defensive spine. He defends his box, wins his aerial duels and steps out with the ball to start attacks, the experienced centre-back at the back of Hong Myung-bo's three.
Hong Myung-bo's team open against the Czech Republic in Zapopan, with Mexico and South Africa to come. South Korea are a lower-priced Tier 4 call at £10m within the game's £200m card budget.
Hong Myung-bo's team open against the Czech Republic in Zapopan, with Mexico and South Africa to come. South Korea are a lower-priced Tier 4 call at £10m within the game's £200m card budget.
Want Kim Min-jae's Goals in Your Card?
Select Korea Republic (Tier 4, £10m) in Goal Rush and every goal Kim Min-jae scores counts towards your total.
Kim Min-jae at the 2026 World Cup
Kim Min-jae is one of South Korea's senior centre-backs and a confirmed name in the 26-man squad Hong Myung-bo finalised on 16 May 2026. The 2026 finals will be his second World Cup, after Qatar 2022, and he arrives with 77 caps as the team begins Group A against Czech Republic on 11 June.
Picking South Korea in Goal Rush
South Korea are a Tier 4 team on the Goal Rush card at £10m, one of the cheaper sides on the board. Kim is the centre-back at the heart of their back three, and his place on the card tracks South Korea's group-stage run against the Czech Republic, Mexico and South Africa.
Kim Min-jae World Cup 2026 FAQs
Kim Min-jae plays for South Korea, a Tier 4 side at £10m a slot. He is a defender, so on the matchdays he plays his Goal Rush value is defensive rather than goalscoring, tied to how well South Korea hold the back line.
Kim Min-jae is a centre-back. He is a ball-playing defender known for composure in possession, aerial strength, reading the game early and starting attacks from deep, and he plays in central defence in Hong Myung-bo's 3-4-3.
Kim Min-jae has 77 caps for South Korea, with four international goals. He played at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where South Korea reached the Round of 16, and is in the final 26 for the 2026 tournament.
Kim Min-jae plays for Bayern Munich. He kept a clean sheet against Uruguay in Qatar and is one of the senior centre-backs Hong Myung-bo named in South Korea's 26-man squad for the finals.
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