Son Heung-min dropped for South Korea's World Cup group decider against South Africa

South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo left captain Son Heung-min out of the starting XI for their Group A decider against South Africa at the 2026 World Cup — the first time since 2010 Son has not started a World Cup match. The decision carries obvious stakes, with South Korea's tournament progression on the line. South Korea risk World Cup elimination after their coach benched the country's most influential player for the defining group stage match.