South Korea’s national team faced El Salvador in a friendly match on the eve of the 2026 World Cup. Despite having a two-week gap before their opening match against the Czech Republic, head coach Hong Myung-bo opted to rest key players, particularly captain and star attacker Heung-Min Son.

Son Heung-Min sits out for injury prevention

Son, who plays for LAFC in the MLS, started on the bench against El Salvador to reduce the risk of injury before the tournament, as According to reports, Son may have come on in the second half to gather some match fitness ahead of the World Cup. His statistics this season. 21 games. Two goals. And 16 assists—highlight his continued value to the team despite the transition from a goalscorer to a playmaker.

South Korea’s coach emphasized the importance of maintaining key players’ health, especially with the group stage being a critical phase of the tournament. Son’s absence from the starting XI is a common practice in World Cup preparation, allowing younger or less experienced players to gain exposure to international competition.

Match report: South Korea edges out El Salvador

South Korea took control of the match from the start, with Hwang In-Beom testing the El Salvadorian goalkeeper in the sixth minute; the Asian side continued to dominate through long-range shots and crosses, with Lee Jae-Sung and Seol Young-Woo creating chances in the first half. El Salvador. However, remained compact and resisted the pressure, with Jefferson Valladares having the best chance of the first half at minute 18.

The decisive moment came in the 56th minute when Lee Dong-gyeong scored a spectacular goal from a set piece, curling the ball over the wall and into the top corner. This goal marked a turning point in the game and showcased Lee’s form for Ulsan HD. After the break. South Korea continued to press. With coach Hong Myung-bo introducing Son and other key players to assess their readiness for the World Cup.

Broader context: Friendly matches ahead of the World Cup

Friendly matches are essential for national teams to fine-tune tactics and evaluate players before the high-stakes World Cup group stage. South Korea’s match against El Salvador served as an important test for the squad, particularly with players like Cho Wi-je making their national team debuts. The team’s performance, while not overly flashy, demonstrated their ability to control games and create chances against a defensively organized opponent.

South Korea will face the Czech Republic in their opening World Cup match, with expectations high for a strong showing in the group stage. Son Heung-Min, despite not starting against El Salvador, remains a key figure for the team and is expected to play a central role in their campaign. His ability to adapt from a striker to a playmaker has proven valuable, and his leadership will be serious for the team’s success.