Bae Jun-ho Shines for South Korea in a Crucial World Cup Qualifier

South Korea continued its impressive World Cup 2026 qualification campaign with a decisive 3-1 win over Kuwait. The match showcased the talent and depth of the South Korean squad, including a standout performance from Stoke City’s Bae Jun-ho, who made an immediate impact after coming on as a substitute.

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A Game-Changing Substitution

Bae Jun-ho entered the match in the 64th minute and wasted no time making his presence felt. Just 10 minutes later, in the 74th minute, the Stoke City forward found the back of the net, sealing South Korea’s victory with an expertly taken goal.

Jun-ho’s ability to deliver under pressure demonstrated his rising profile in international football. Competing alongside top-tier talent in both his national team and at Stoke City, the 23-year-old forward continues to build his reputation as one of South Korea’s most exciting prospects.

Career Progression and Club Challenges

Since joining Stoke City in the 2022-2023 season, Bae Jun-ho has steadily developed into a key figure for the team. While his goal-scoring tally has dipped this season, his influence on the pitch remains undeniable, thanks to the trust placed in him by manager Narcis Pelach.

However, Jun-ho himself acknowledges the need to translate his strong performances into goals for Stoke City. In post-match comments, he expressed mixed emotions, saying:

"“It’s been a while since I scored a goal. I scored for the KNT, couldn’t score at Stoke City FC, score again here. Perhaps the vibes are better here”"

- Bae Jun-ho

Jun-ho’s ambition and determination will be crucial as Stoke City aims to climb the EFL Championship standings and push for a return to the Premier League. The forward’s confidence will undoubtedly be boosted by his latest international performance, and fans will hope to see him replicate this form in domestic competition.

Stoke City’s next fixture will be against Queens Park Rangers on November 23, where Bae Jun-ho will look to convert his international success into club-level contributions as the team battles to secure crucial points.