Kim Min-jae Leads South Korea in World Cup Qualifier, Says Park Ji-sung

Kim Min-jae was singled out by former captain Park Ji-sung on 3 July 2026 as the cornerstone of South Korea's defence for the next World Cup qualifier, underscoring the centre-back’s impact on the team's chances.

Why Park Ji-sung singled out Kim Min-jae

Park, now a technical advisor for the national side, told reporters that Kim’s aerial dominance and reading of the game set the tone for the back line. He noted the defender’s 96% tackle success rate in the last five league matches, a statistic that puts him among the elite in Europe. "When you have a player who can command the box and organise the defence, you instantly feel more secure," Park said.

How Kim Min-jae fits into South Korea’s tactical plan

Head coach Paulo Bento plans to deploy a 3-5-2 formation against the upcoming opponent, and Kim will anchor the three-man defence. His ability to step into midfield when the team presses high gives Bento a flexible option to transition quickly. The coach also praised Kim’s leadership, pointing to his captaincy at Napoli and his role in keeping a clean sheet in 12 of his last 15 club games.

What the upcoming qualifier means for Kim Min-jae’s career

The match on 12 Sep 2026 will be Kim’s 70th cap, a milestone that could cement his status as South Korea’s most capped defender. A strong performance could also boost his market value, which analysts estimate at €45 million after his recent Serie A title. Moreover, a solid showing may earn him a spot in the Asian Football Confederation’s Team of the Year.

How fans and pundits are reacting

South Korean supporters have taken to social media, flooding the hashtag #KimMinJaeHero with praise. Former teammate Son Heung-min posted a video highlighting Kim’s last-minute block against Juventus, calling it "the kind of moment we need in the qualifiers." Pundit Lee Tae-ho added that Kim’s composure under pressure could be the difference between a win and a draw against a traditionally tough Asian rival.

What comes next for the national side?

After the qualifier, South Korea faces a decisive home leg on 27 Oct 2026. If Kim helps secure a clean sheet in the first leg, Bento expects the team to adopt a more attacking stance in the return. The defender’s fitness will be monitored closely; he missed a week of training in early June due to a minor hamstring strain, but medical staff cleared him for full match action.

Final thoughts on Kim Min-jae’s influence

Park Ji-sung’s endorsement adds weight to Kim’s growing reputation as the backbone of South Korea’s defence. With the qualifier looming, all eyes will be on the 27-year-old centre-back to see if he can translate club success into international glory.