Korea Joongang Daily
Korea JoongAng Daily

Keeper Jo shines in U.S. friendly win as players vie for World Cup spots

Korea’s 2-0 win over the United States on Saturday offered manager Hong Myung-bo a clearer picture of players battling for spots on the 2026 FIFA World Cup roster, with goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo standing out with a clean sheet.

2025-09-08

Korean midfielder Lee Jae-sung uncertain for Mexico friendly due to hamstring injury

Veteran midfielder Lee Jae-sung's availability for Korea's friendly match against Mexico on Tuesday remains unclear due to a hamstring injury. Lee, 33, was subbed off after he exhibited pain in the friendly against the United States on Saturday.

2025-09-08

Midfielder Lee Jae-sung returns to Mainz in German Cup win over Dresden

Mainz edged Dynamo Dresden 1-0 on Monday to advance to the second round of the German Cup, with midfielder Lee Jae-sung making his return in a protective mask after facial injuries.

2025-08-19

이재성, 시즌 8호 어시스트 기록했지만 마인츠는 챔피언스 리그 진출 실패

Mainz midfielder Lee Jae-sung registered his eighth assist of the 2024-25 season in a huge 4-1 win over VfL Bochum at Ruhrstadion in Germany on Saturday, but his side missed a coveted ticket to the Champions League.

2025-05-19

Lee Jae-sung’s late heroics send Mainz back to UEFA competition after yearslong absence

Mainz punched a ticket to the Conference League next season after drawing 2-2 with Bayer 04 Leverkusen and finishing the 2024-25 Bundesliga in sixth place on Saturday, securing a berth in what could be Lee Jae-sung’s final season at the club.

2025-05-18

이재성·홍현석, 챔피언스리그 데뷔 난항

Korean midfield duo Lee Jae-sung and Hong Hyun-seok may miss out on their Champions League debuts in the 2025–26 season, as Mainz is unlikely to qualify for Europe’s top club competition even with wins in their final two Bundesliga matches.

2025-05-12

Mainz midfielder Lee Jae-sung registers eighth assist of the season in 4-1 rout of VfL Bochum

Mainz midfielder Lee Jae-sung registered his eighth assist of the 2024-25 season in a huge 4-1 win over VfL Bochum at Ruhrstadion in Germany on Saturday, but his side missed a coveted ticket to the Champions League.

2025-05-11

Champions League hopes fade for Mainz’s Korean duo

Korean midfield duo Lee Jae-sung and Hong Hyun-seok may miss out on their Champions League debuts in the 2025–26 season, as Mainz will struggle to qualify for Europe’s top club competition even with wins in their final two Bundesliga matches.

2025-05-06

Lee Jae-sung scores seventh goal of season in bitter 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg

Mainz's Lee Jae-sung scored in a 2-2 draw against Wolfsburg, leaving the team sixth in Bundesliga, two points off Champions League qualification with four matches remaining.

2025-04-20

Korea blow early lead in tepid 1-1 draw

Korea blew an early lead to draw 1-1 with Jordan in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, Gyeonggi on Tuesday, recording a third straight draw after two tepid outings against Palestine and Oman.

2025-03-25