Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich), the defensive linchpin of head coach Hong Myung-bo's national team, has joined the team's pre-camp, beginning preparations in earnest for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Kim arrived at the national team's accommodations in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Tuesday local time and settled in.
He joined the squad after completing all of his 2025-2026 season commitments with Bayern Munich, which included winning the German Football Association (DFB)-Pokal title.
Kim did not take part in the national team's training session held that afternoon.
"I will work hard as I always do and strive to go beyond just the three group stage matches. Please look forward to it," Kim said through the Korea Football Association.
With Kim's arrival, 25 players have now reported to Hong's squad, with only Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) yet to join. Lee will travel to Salt Lake City after playing in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) final against Arsenal on June 1 Korean time.
Meanwhile, national team players took part in recreational games, rondo (ball circulation) drills, and passing pattern exercises, followed by a closed-door partial tactical training session.
