Former U-20 star ready for World Cup moment

Bae Jun-ho, a member of the South Korean squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, speaks to reporters at Incheon International Airport, Monday, before departing for Salt Lake City, Utah, for training camp. Yonhap

Bae Jun-ho was one of the stars for South Korea in their run to the semifinals at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup. And last Saturday, Bae became the only one of the 21 players from that U-20 team to be called up for the senior World Cup this summer. It speaks to the work ethic and skills of the 22-year-old attacking midfielder for Stoke City who has netted two goals in 12 international matches so far.

Before leaving for Salt Lake City, Utah, for training camp Monday, Bae said he didn't need any reminder that the upcoming World Cup will be a much different animal than the underage version.

"Back then, I was trying to have fun and get some experience," Bae told reporters at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul. "But this World Cup is not about gaining experience. It's about proving yourself, and the weight of responsibility for players is much different. I know I've had my share of experience and grown up as an athlete. I want to play with a sense of responsibility this time."

Bae is one of three players based in the second-tier English competition, the English Football League Championship, selected for the World Cup. Bae, Eom Ji-sung of Swansea City and Paik Seung-ho of Birmingham City had been training together for about a week in South Korea after their club seasons ended earlier this month.

"The intensity of our training sessions was much higher than I'd expected," Bae said. "That helped us stay in good form."

Thanks to his dribbling skills and ability to create chances for others, Bae has carved out a regular role for Stoke City since signing a four-year deal with them in August 2023. He was named the club's Player of the Year in his first season, the 2023-2024 campaign.

Bae said he considers himself more than just a one-trick pony because he has been working hard on his defensive game to earn more trust from the national team boss Hong Myung-bo.

"Coach Hong has also stressed the importance of defense," Bae said. "I think I've made a lot of improvements in that area. But at the same time, I still play an attacking position and I would love to make offensive contributions, too."

Bae and Jens Castrop of Borussia Monchengladbach are the youngest members of this World Cup squad at 22. Bae said he believes his job is to bring some youthful spark to the squad.

"I think my biggest strength as a player is my versatility. I can play at any attacking position, be it as a midfielder or a winger," Bae said. "And I can also bring some fresh energy to the team with my aggressive style of play."