Soccer-South Korea coach calls up bumper squad for World Cup qualifiers

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - World Cup - Asian Qualifiers - Third Round - Group B - South Korea v Iraq - Yongin Mireu Stadium, Yongin, South Korea - October 15, 2024 South Korea coach Myung-Bo Hong lines up during the national anthems before the match REUTERS/Kim Soo-Hyeon/File Photo

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo has called up 28 players for home World Cup qualifiers against Oman and Jordan later this month, when the Taeguk warriors will look to lock up a spot at an 11th straight edition of the global showpiece.

South Korea could potentially clinch one of the two automatic tickets to the 2026 finals from Group B with two qualifiers to spare if they can beat Oman in Goyang on March 20 and Jordan in Suwon five days later.