Lee Han-beom vows iron defense against South Africa: 'We'll watch the space behind us'

Lee Han-beom of FC Midtjylland, one of South Korea's Europe-based defenders at the 2026 North America World Cup, pledged Tuesday to shut down South Africa's pace and individual flair through disciplined, organized defending.

Speaking at a press conference at Estadio Universitario in San Nicolas, Nuevo Leon, Mexico — where the national team held training — Lee said the squad's defensive shape has been sharpening with each match. "Playing through the Czech Republic and Mexico games, I can feel us getting more solid defensively," he said. "I think if we prepare just as well for South Africa, we'll be able to keep them out."

Now in his third year on the European circuit, Lee is playing in his first World Cup. He has started both matches so far — against the Czech Republic on June 12 and Mexico on Friday — forming a three-back line alongside Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich and Lee Ki-hyeok of Gangwon. He drew particular praise for neutralizing Julian Quiñones, who had been on Alert as a danger man, in the Mexico match.

South Korea face South Africa in their final Group A match Thursday at 10 a.m. at Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico. With a place in the round of 32 on the line, the performance of Lee and the rest of the back line will be critical.

On the three-back system, Lee said the unit had come together quickly despite limited preparation time. "We didn't have much time, but we talked things through with the manager and coaches and got it sorted," he said. "The defenders talk a lot among ourselves, and I think it's clicking well with Min-jae at the center."

A draw would be enough to secure second place in Group A and advance to the round of 32, but Lee said the squad has no intention of settling for that.

"None of the players are thinking about a draw — we're thinking only about winning," he said. "I want to make clear we're not taking anything for granted. Our goal is to win, move up as high as we can, and bring happiness to the people of Korea. We want to show them a good result and a good performance."

Lee also outlined what makes South Africa a threat. "They have good individual quality and they're fast. Their goalkeeper has a strong kick and they build up well," he said. "If we organize our defense properly, I think we can contain them. If we stay alert and manage the space in behind, we'll be fine."

He added that he had gathered intelligence on South Africa from goalkeeper Jo Hyeon-woo, who faced the same opponents at last year's Club World Cup, as well as from African teammates at his club. "I heard they play a build-up-oriented style of football," Lee said, adding that the team needed to prepare accordingly.

Lee is joined at the World Cup by his Midtjylland teammate and striker Jo Gyu-seong, and the two have been coordinating since before the tournament. "We talked a lot before coming here about what we'd do if we played together," Lee said. "We've worked on set pieces and crossing situations together as well. It would be great if we get to play together."