Unexpected journeys behind Korea's World Cup squad

The World Cup lasts only a few weeks.

The journeys that bring players there often take years.

For a select few on South Korea's roster, the path to football's biggest stage was far from straightforward, marked instead by unexpected twists of fate, long waits for an opportunity and precious family moments put on hold.

Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors defender Cho Wi-je left for Salt Lake City, Utah, in mid-May to help the Taegeuk Warriors prepare for the 2026 World Cup in North America.

Now, he is one of t ...