South Korea coach Hong Myung-Bo left captain and key striker Son Heung-min on the bench for their Group A World Cup match against South Africa on June 24, 2026. The decision involved three changes from their previous lineup, including the selection of Oh Hyeon-Gyu as the starting striker to lead the attack instead of Son Heung-min [1, 2, 3].
Hong Myung-Bo's choice to drop Son as captain and forward came after Son had limited involvement in South Korea's earlier matches. He recorded just 37 touches against Czechia and only 19 touches in their 1-0 loss to Mexico on June 18, when Son was substituted off in the 57th minute [3].
South Korea opted for a 5-2-3 formation that reportedly restricted Son's role as a No. 9 striker, which may have influenced the coach's selection decisions [3]. Alongside the forward change, wingback Lee Tae-Seok and winger Hwang Hee-Chan replaced Kim Moon-Hwan and Lee Jae-Sung, completing the three changes for the South Korean lineup [3].
On the opposing side, South Africa coach Hugo Broos adjusted his team due to suspensions, replacing Teboho Mokoena and Themba Zwane with midfielders Relebohile Mofokeng, Thapelo Maseko, and Oswin Appollis in midfield and attack for the same match [1, 2].
An ESPN report described the decision as "a shocking selection call by leaving captain Son Heung-Min out of their decisive Group A clash against South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Wednesday" [3].
The South Korea vs. South Africa Group A match took place on June 24, with the lineup changes marking a notable shift in South Korea's World Cup campaign [1, 2, 3].
