2026 Season Preview - Daegu FC

Daegu FC head into the 2026 season looking to secure an instant return to the top flight following their disastrous campaign last year, which culminated in relegation on the final day of the season. It will be the Sky Blues’ first time in K League 2 since the 2016 season, and significant improvements will be needed both on and off the field if they are to bounce back at the first time of asking. K League United’s Stuart Warren previews the season ahead.

Last Season

7W–13D–18L, 12th

What Happened?

Having narrowly avoided relegation via the playoffs during the 2024 season, hopes were high that Daegu FC would kick on and enjoy a much-improved season in 2025. Things certainly looked that way after an impressive start, which saw them gain seven points from their opening three games and sit at the top of the table. It proved to be a false dawn, though, as a run of six consecutive defeats followed, culminating in manager Park Chang-hyun’s resignation.

After a longer-than-ideal recruitment process, in which the club failed to swiftly appoint a suitable successor, former Gangwon FC boss Kim Byung-soo was eventually named. His appointment was met with, at best, a lukewarm reception from the Daegu faithful, with that scepticism appearing justified as the side made a slow start under his stewardship, failing to register a single victory in his opening 12 games.

A late win against Suwon at the end of August — Kim Byung-soo’s first as boss — seemed to be a turning point, however. The team began to grow in confidence and went on a run that saw them lose just once in their remaining ten games as they closed the gap on the teams above them.

During this period, there were some excellent performances and a number of dramatic late victories, as the team began to play exciting attacking football at times and looked like a completely different side from the one that had struggled for so long.

Ultimately, it proved to be too little, too late, and the club were relegated to the second tier for the first time in nearly a decade.

As well as poor performances on the pitch, there was significant unrest off it. Korean football legend Cho Kwang-rae resigned as CEO due to pressure from fans, while numerous fan-led protests targeted the running of the club. Although this unrest has seemingly quietened during the off-season, it will no doubt return if performances are poor at the start of this campaign.

Notable Moves

It has been an incredibly busy winter transfer window for the Sky Blues, with a number of players heading in both directions: 12 players have been released or sold, while ten new faces have arrived. The most notable exit was defender Caio, who had consistently been the club’s best defender since arriving in 2024. His loss at the back will be significant; however, the signing of highly rated young defender Hwang In-taek should cushion the blow somewhat.

In the goalkeeping department, long-serving Choi Young-eun and Oh Seung-hoon have both departed, with Choi heading to Dangjin Citizen and Oh retiring after a successful career. Goh Dong-min has been brought in to replace them, although he is expected to serve as back-up to the young Han Tae-hee.

Other notable signings include veteran midfielder Han Kook-young, who joins from Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and attacker Serafim, who has signed following the expiration of his loan deal at Suwon Samsung Bluewings.

With a large squad and the club having withdrawn their ‘B’ team from the K4 League, it remains to be seen whether Daegu can continue with such a high number of playing staff or whether the squad will be trimmed further in the coming months.

Key Player

Cesinha

Cesinha will once again be the key man for Daegu as they look to turn things around. The Brazilian forward was exceptional during the club’s late-season run-in, and the team looks completely different when he is not on the pitch. Having been consistently one of the best players in K League 1 since his arrival ten years ago, the prospect of him coming up against K League 2 defenders is one that Daegu fans are relishing.

Despite his advancing years, he shows no signs of slowing down. Already the club’s all-time leading scorer, he will be confident of adding many more goals this season. He is so revered by the Daegu faithful that there is even talk of a statue being erected in his honour — something that would surely become reality if he can lead the club back to the top tier at the first time of asking.

Young Player to Watch

Hwang In-taek

With star defender Caio not re-signing, there is a sizeable gap to fill on the left side of defence. Young, left-footed defender Hwang In-taek has been brought in from Suwon FC in the hope that he can serve as a replacement.

Primarily a centre-back but also comfortable at left-back, Hwang began his career at Suwon Samsung Bluewings before moving across the city to Suwon FC. He endured a slightly frustrating 2025 season, making just 13 appearances; however, he has strong pedigree, having represented South Korea at youth international level on numerous occasions.

He is certainly one of Daegu’s most exciting winter signings and will be eager to nail down a starting spot immediately.

An honourable mention must also go to goalkeeper Han Tae-hee. The youngster enjoyed a breakthrough season last year, cementing his place midway through the campaign, and 2026 will be a huge year for him as he looks to kick on and develop further.

Biggest Question

Can the club return to the top flight at the first time of asking?

While this may seem like an obvious question, it is particularly pertinent this season, as the league restructure means there is an additional automatic promotion place up for grabs.

For this to happen, the team will first need tactical consistency. Too often last year, the starting XI was shuffled, creating the sense that nobody truly knew what the best lineup was. Although this improved towards the end of the season as some rhythm was found, it will be crucial for things to be settled from the outset this year.

Another key factor will be whether Cesinha can stay injury-free throughout the season and, if not, whether anyone else can step up to fill the goalscoring void. Fellow forward Edgar is no longer able to play 90 minutes regularly, though he remains a threat when on the pitch. Other forwards failed to impress last season, so much more will be expected from them this time around.

Reason to Watch

Things are rarely dull when it comes to Daegu FC. The team produced numerous late comebacks last season, with several victories and draws secured deep into injury time. They were a side that never knew when they were beaten. At their best, they played exciting attacking football and scored some stunning goals. The Daegu faithful will be hoping for more of the same this year.

Many also consider Daegu to offer one of the best matchday experiences in the country. They play in a purpose-built stadium that feels tight and intense, with fans right on top of the action. Even during the worst run of form last season, the stadium regularly sold out, creating an excellent atmosphere.