Jens Castrop of Borussia Mönchengladbach, who was born to a Korean mother and a German father, has been named to South Korea’s World Cup squad, becoming the first player of mixed heritage born outside South Korea to earn a place in a South Korean World Cup squad.
The 22-year-old, a former Germany youth and Under-21 player, had his formal switch of national eligibility signed off by FIFA ahead of his inclusion.
Castrop, who was born in Düsseldorf and represented Germany from Under-16 through Under-21 level, asked FIFA to switch his international allegiance to South Korea, with the change officially approved by the sport’s governing body.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo welcomed the selection warmly. “Although Castrop is young, he is a player who has consistently grown while gaining experience in the Bundesliga,” Hong said.
“Above all, I highly value the strong will and sense of responsibility he has shown to join our national team. I hope he adapts quickly and brings new vitality to the team.”
South Korea, the only Asian side to go unbeaten in qualifying, will face co-hosts Mexico, South Africa, and Czechia in Group A at the 2026 World Cup.
Castrop joins a squad headlined by captain Son Heung-min, who at 33 years old gears up for his fourth World Cup and will once again be viewed as the team’s most potent weapon.
While Castrop’s selection was unprecedented in the national men’s team, the South Korean women’s team in 2023 had previously called up Casey Phair, who has an American father and a Korean mother, when the U.S.-based player was just 16.
South Korea Full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Song Bum-keun, Jo Hyeon-woo.
Defenders: Kim Moon-hwan, Kim Min-jae, Kim Tae-hyeon, Park Jin-seop, Seol Young-woo, Jens Castrop, Lee Ki-hyeok, Lee Tae-seok, Lee Han-beom, Cho Yu-min.
Midfielders: Kim Jin-gyu, Bae Jun-ho, Paik Seung-ho, Yang Hyun-jun, Eom Ji-sung, Lee Kang-in, Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang In-beom, Hwang Hee-chan.
Forwards: Son Heung-min, Oh Hyeon-gyu, Cho Gue-sung.
