Korea prepares for tantalizing Brazil test

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, considered one of the most talented players in the world, trains at Seoul World Cup Stadium, Thursday, on the eve of a friendly match against Korea as part of 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations. Yonhap

There is a South American flavor to South Korean soccer this week. The youngsters made it out of the group stage at the FIFA U-20 World Cup after a loss to Ukraine, a draw with Paraguay and a much-needed win over Panama. There’s going to be a second-round clash with either Morocco or Argentina. At least there is a second round.

Much closer to home — at Seoul World Cup Stadium, in fact — Brazil is in town. There can be few better ways to spend a Friday evening than going to see the Taeguk Warriors in action against the five-time world champions. There is something special about seeing the Selecao and their golden shirts up close and personal.

Brazil is packed with talent such as Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid and his clubmate Rodrygo, as well as Manchester United pair Casemiro and Matheus Cunha. There is also Chelsea’s new star Estevao, the 18-year-old prodigy who scored a last-minute goal Saturday in London to give the Blues a memorable win over Premier League champion Liverpool. In charge is Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian who left Real Madrid earlier this year and in May became the first foreign coach to lead Brazil. So South Korea has a South Korean coach and Brazil has a foreign one.

The game is important for both teams, for the obvious fact that both have qualified for the 2026 World Cup and there are not many more opportunities to gather their full rosters before it all starts. There will be one more friendly next month, another in March, and after the end of the European season in May, the World Cup will commence a month later.

With Brazil visiting, there won’t be that much experimentation from coach Hong Myung-bo, and the match will provide interesting insights into what he thinks is his strongest team, or something close to it.

Brazil’s national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks during a press conference in Seoul, Thursday. Brazil is a five-time World Cup champion, having won in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and most recently at the 2002 edition jointly hosted by Korea and Japan. Yonhap

There are two other notable things about this occasion. In September, Son Heung-min played his 136th game for his country in a 2-2 draw against Mexico in the United States, moving level on appearances with coach Hong as well as Cha Bum-keun. It is fitting that Son will break the record against Brazil, and it is fitting that Cha will be present to give the Los Angeles FC player whatever award there is to give.

The other is that Friday should mark the first time home fans get to see Jens Castrop. The German-born midfielder made his debut against the United States and seemed to fit in quickly. Since then, the 22-year-old has scored his first goal for Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany’s top tier league.

“His ability to play multiple positions can really help our team,” coach Hong said. “I think he can handle whatever role we ask him to play. We will consider him for a place in the midfield but we will talk to him about possibly playing elsewhere.”

Many are hoping to see Castrop link up in midfield with Hwang In-beom, who was injured last month and missed the trip to America.

And this Friday, all will be hoping for a good performance and result against Brazil after losing seven of their last eight meetings.