Son Heung-min Substituted in South Korea's Match Against Mexico

In a critical encounter for South Korea during the 2026 World Cup, the team faced Mexico, hoping to secure a top position in Group A. The match, played amid a fervent atmosphere with Mexican supporters backing their side, took a turn for South Korea after they fell behind 1-0.

As the game progressed, South Korea's captain, Son Heung-min, was substituted in the 57th minute, raising questions about the decision. The speculation surrounding his exit suggests that head coach Hong Myung-Bo might have aimed to preserve Son's stamina for the team's upcoming third match in the tournament.

Notably, Son's substitution came shortly after Mexico scored, prompting the team to look for alternative strategies to find an equalizer. The star player, who has netted 56 goals for his country since 2010, is not reported to be injured, and his age—he is currently 33—likely played a role in the decision to bench him early.

Hwang Hee-Chan took Son’s place on the field. The forward, who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers in the EFL Championship, has contributed 17 goals to the South Korean national team since making his debut in 2016.

Son will celebrate his 34th birthday on July 8, 2026, before the conclusion of the World Cup, underscoring the importance of managing his playing time effectively during the tournament.