Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
Home
»
World Cup 2026
»
WILL KIM MIN-JAE PLAY IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
Kim Min-jae, nicknamed "The Monster," is one of the biggest names in Asian football today. Since his breakthrough in Europe, his career has skyrocketed, playing for clubs like Napoli and Bayern Munich. At 29, many are wondering if he will lead South Korea's defense at the 2026 World Cup. In this article, we explore his current situation in Germany, his statistics with the national team, interesting facts about his life, and how likely it is that we will see him playing in his second World Cup. Will he be the defensive anchor for the Tigers of the East once again?
Kim Min-jae's Current Form
Kim Min-jae is experiencing one of the most important moments of his career. After shining with Napoli, who won the 2022/23 Serie A title, he was signed by Bayern Munich, where he has established himself as a regular starter. His aggressive playing style, anticipation, and aerial dominance have made him stand out in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
In the 2024/2025 season, he has played 31 matches for Bayern in the Bundesliga and Champions League, accumulating more than 2,700 minutes of playing time. His defensive statistics are top-notch: he averages 3.2 interceptions per game, 4 clearances, and has a 91% passing accuracy.
Furthermore, he already has 2 goals this season, demonstrating that he is also dangerous on set pieces. Is he being considered for the 2026 World Cup? Kim is an undisputed pillar in South Korea's defense. Although he has had tense moments with fans due to statements made after Qatar 2022, his talent makes him an irreplaceable player. The new South Korean coach, Hwang Sun-hong, has publicly stated that he is counting on him for the future. And at 29, he would arrive at the 2026 World Cup in his prime.
Projected age in 2026: 30 years old
Current club: Bayern Munich (Germany)
Minutes played in 2024/25: 2,700+
Pass accuracy percentage: 91%
Recent call-ups: Regular starter in qualifiers
Everything points to us seeing Kim leading the South Korean defense in 2026, in what This could be his definitive consecration into the world elite.
His History with the National Team and the World Cups
Kim Min-jae debuted with the South Korean national team in 2017, and since then he has been a regular in the squad. His first major World Cup experience was in Qatar 2022, where he played as an undisputed starter. Korea reached the round of 16, eliminated by Brazil, but Kim's defensive performance was one of the team's strongest points.
His style is reminiscent of elite European center-backs: strong, with good ball distribution, and natural leadership on the field. In Qatar, he completed 87% of his passes, averaged 5 clearances per game, and led his team in aerial duels won.
Kim Min-jae's Statistics with South Korea
National Team Appearances: 62
World Cups Played: 1 (Qatar 2022)
Minutes in Qatar: 360
Clearances per Game: 5.1
Fouls Committed in Qatar: 3
In addition, Kim has participated in several editions of the Asian Cup, reaching the semifinals in 2019 and playing a key role in defense. His experience in high-level tournaments will be vital for Korea in 2026, where they aspire to surpass the round of 16.
Fun fact: In South Korea, he is so famous that memes have been created calling him "the Korean Hulk." He even has his own unofficial emoji on Korean football forums.
What he needs to reach 2026
Although everything seems to indicate that Kim Min-jae will be at the 2026 World Cup, nothing is guaranteed. Consistent performance and avoiding injuries will be key factors. Bayern Munich is a demanding club, and maintaining his starting position in a defense where he competes with names like De Ligt and Upamecano is no easy task. But Kim has shown that he has what it takes.
He must also maintain his motivation and good relationship with the national team. After Qatar 2022, Kim made controversial statements about the pressure of representing the country, which caused some tension. However, he later apologized and reiterated his commitment.
Having overcome that setback, his focus is on qualifying South Korea and playing a significant role in the joint North American World Cup.
Keys to seeing him at the World Cup
Avoid serious injuries
Remain a starter at Bayern
Actively participate in Asian qualifying
Maintain commitment to the national team
Lead the team's youth
Furthermore, the 2026 edition will be historic, with 48 teams and a new group structure. This means more room for improvement and a greater need for experienced players. South Korea will be looking to repeat or surpass their 2002 feat, and Kim Min-jae could be the linchpin of that project. In short, if he continues on this path, we will not only see him at the 2026 World Cup, but probably as one of the best defenders in the tournament.
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED
