How Will Korea Use Lee Kang-in Against the World’s Best?
The Korean national football team is standing at a real turning point. Coach Hong Myung-bo’s squad has already secured its 11th consecutive FIFA World Cup finals berth, but now the real test begins. Friendly matches against the United States and Mexico—two host nations of the 2026 World Cup—are set to reveal just how ready Korea is. What makes this moment even more intriguing is the big question surrounding the team’s brightest star: how will Lee Kang-in be used?
Lee Kang-in, who currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, has grown into more than just a promising talent. Since making his debut in 2019, he has accumulated 38 caps and 11 goals. His vision, set-piece delivery, and creativity have made him a crucial playmaker. During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2023 Asian Cup, his performances reminded fans why he’s considered one of Korea’s key attacking weapons. But more recently, his goal contributions have slowed, and that has sparked debate about how he should be positioned in Korea’s new tactical experiments.
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Traditionally, under Hong Myung-bo’s four-back system, Lee was positioned on the right wing. There, he combined with Son Heung-min on the left and Lee Jae-sung in the middle, creating a dynamic second attacking line. But Hong has been experimenting with a three-back formation, and this changes everything. In a 3-4-3, Lee might line up alongside Son and Lee Jae-sung as part of a front three, giving him more chances to drift inside and unleash decisive shots. Alternatively, in a 3-5-2 or even a 4-3-3, he could be pulled into a central midfield role, similar to how PSG has used him—focusing more on playmaking than pure finishing.
This flexibility could be both an opportunity and a challenge. On the one hand, Lee’s ability to adapt makes him invaluable. On the other, it highlights Korea’s reliance on finding the “right” version of him before the World Cup begins. With Hwang In-beom injured and Hwang Hee-chan absent, the midfield balance is unsettled, which may push Hong to give Lee a central creative role.
Off the pitch, there are also concerns. Lee has not been getting as many minutes with PSG in recent months, raising questions about his match fitness. Even Coach Hong admitted he wished Lee—and others—were playing more consistently for their clubs. That makes these friendlies even more important, not just for tactics, but for restoring rhythm and confidence.
So as Korea faces the U.S. and Mexico, both ranked higher than Korea, the spotlight will be firmly on Lee Kang-in. Whether as a winger, a central playmaker, or part of a fluid attacking trio, his role is being tested. These matches won’t just prepare the team for the World Cup—they will answer a bigger question: how can Korea unlock the very best version of Lee Kang-in when it matters most?
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