The South Korean team only needs not to lose to South Africa in the last round of Group A to win a ticket to the 1/16 round of the 2026 World Cup. Even a draw is enough to help the Asian representative maintain second place in the group and face Canada in the knockout round.
However, coach Hong Myung-bo surprised when he made a risky decision. That was to put captain Son Heung-min on the bench from the beginning. That gamble quickly backfired when South Korea suffered a 0-1 defeat to South Africa and dropped to third place. They had to wait for the results of other groups to nurture hopes of going further as one of the third-placed teams with the best results.
Hong Myung-bo certainly has his own calculations and has the full right to make personnel choices. However, when Son Heung-min - a football symbol and pride of Korea - is eliminated from the starting lineup, every decision must bear great pressure.
Right before the match started, Korean fans clearly expressed their dissatisfaction. When the starting lineup was announced without Son's name, Hong Myung-bo immediately received boos from the stands.
This is the first time since the 2010 World Cup that South Korea has played without Son Heung-min in the starting lineup. This star's 12-match consecutive starting streak at the World Cup has also officially ended.
Despite lacking a captain, South Korea entered the game not badly. In the second minute, Kim Min-jae headed dangerously after Lee Kang-in's corner kick but was cleared by Aubrey Modiba right on the goal line. 6 minutes later, Lee Kang-in continued to miss the opportunity with a shot that went narrowly wide of the post.
However, South Africa gradually regained control of the game and created more dangerous situations. Thapelo Maseko continuously stirred up the right wing, while goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu had to save twice in a row against shots from Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa.
At the beginning of the second half, Son Heung-min was brought onto the field amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the fans. However, warning signs from South Africa still continuously appeared.
In the 63rd minute, Tshepang Moremi dribbled the ball on the left wing and then crossed favorably for Maseko to control and finish dangerously, scoring the only goal of the match.
After conceding a goal, Hong Myung-bo continuously adjusted tactics and personnel, pushing up the squad to find an equalizer. However, a series of crosses into the penalty area were neutralized by the South African defense.
Even when Son Heung-min is on the field, South Korea cannot make a difference. However, the decision not to use him from the beginning will still be a controversial topic, because it is considered a turning point that caused the kimchi team to lose their right to self-determination at the 2026 World Cup.
Look at the World Cups that the Korean national team has participated in, the team also often falls into a situation of only winning 1 group stage match. The 3rd place in Group A like this is not disappointing, but it puts us in a worried and even disappointing thought. I believe everything will be fine" - the Korean captain said after the match.
