AG scorer Jung Woo-young “I want to play a starring role in the A team… I’m confident of competing”

Hangzhou Asian Games men’s soccer top scorer Jung Woo-young (24-Stuttgart) is determined to further cement his place in the senior national team as the 2026 North and Central American World Cup qualifiers begin.

Speaking to the media before the national team’s training session at Mokdong Stadium in Seoul on Thursday, Jung said, “I’m very happy to be back with the national team. The first game is at home, so it’s fun and good to meet the fans and play,” he said, adding, “I’m happy to play in Korea with my teammates after a long time.”

After scoring eight goals at the Hangzhou Asian Games to lead South Korea to gold, Jung hopes to play at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and then the North American Games.

A regular in the senior national team under Jürgen Klinsmann (GER), he will be ready for the second round of qualifiers against Singapore (Seoul World Cup Stadium) on Sept. 16 and China (away) on Sept. 21.

“I’ve been to the World Cup once before, but it’s my first time with the team from the first qualifying match, so I’m really looking forward to it,” said Jung. “I want to help the team do well in the qualifiers, and when we get to the matches, I want to show a good performance.”

“I’m more motivated than stressed,” he said, “There are a lot of good players, but there are also things I’m confident about.”

“Through the Asian Games, I felt that I was the ‘star’ of the team, and I want to be the ‘star’ of the A team,” he said, adding, “I want to be the star, so I will prepare well from the first World Cup qualifier and show a good performance.”

Jung Woo-young also talked about leaving the familiar Paju National Training Center (NFC) to train with the national team at the Mokdong Sports Complex.

“Rice tastes better in Paju. All the players miss the rice in Paju,” he laughed, “but we have to eat well and prepare well here too. It’s a bit strange, but I’m trying to adapt well,” he said. 먹튀검증