Pohang Steelers striker Lee Ho-jae, the joint top scorer in K League 1 this season, has expressed his hopes of making South Korea’s World Cup squad ahead of the official roster announcement.
The 26-year-old forward scored the decisive goal in Pohang’s 1-0 away victory against Incheon United on May 12, finding the net in the 42nd minute of the 14th-round match. That strike was his seventh of the season, moving him level with Incheon’s M. Mugoša at the summit of the scoring charts, ahead of Ulsan’s Yago and Gangwon’s Abdalla, who sit joint third with six goals each.
Lee has emerged as a key figure for Pohang this term, not just for his goals but also for his overall game. The team recently shifted from a possession-based buildup style to a more direct, physical approach—a change that has played to Lee’s strengths, given his excellent aerial ability and physical presence. He has also improved significantly in pressing and link-up play.
“I’m focusing on reducing mistakes in my link-up play, which has helped raise my overall quality,” Lee said. “The pressing and build-up work are a team effort, so I’m grateful to my teammates.”
Regarding Pohang’s more direct style, he added: “If we can excel at both buildup play and aerial football, it will make things much harder for our opponents. We’re working hard to master both approaches.”
Lee made his senior international debut last year and scored his first A-match goal against Hong Kong during the EAFF E-1 Championship, called up by head coach Hong Myung-bo. However, he has not featured for the national team since and is currently considered a potential surprise inclusion for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
The South Korean squad for the tournament is set to be announced on May 16, making the match against Incheon a final showcase for hopefuls. Lee acknowledged the anticipation but remained measured.
“I’ve given my best so far, and whatever the outcome, I’ll accept it without regret,” he said. “But I am currently the top scorer in the K League, and I’m fairly satisfied with my performances, so of course I’m hopeful.”
Lee’s strong form and unique style have put him in contention for a spot in Hong’s final 23-man roster, as the coach looks to finalize his selections for this summer’s World Cup.
