Why is Son Heung-min benched for South Korea vs South Africa in FIFA World Cup 2026?
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A decision to bench Son has surprised many fans.
South Korea entered Matchday 3 of Group A with their qualification for the Round of 32 still up in the air ahead of their last group encounter against South Africa at Estadio Monterrey. However, in a brave and startling move, captain Son Heung-min has been placed on the bench for this crucial encounter.
Son will start the game on the bench owing to a tactical choice by head coach Hong Myung-bo. While the former Tottenham star is totally healthy, he has struggled to contribute in front of goal in the first two games. This led the manager to keep him as a super-sub against South Africa instead.
Son Heung-min on bench for the South Africa game
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Rather, the starting lineup will have PSG’s Lee Kang-in on the right flank, Hwang Hee-chan on the left, and Oh Hyeon-gyu as the centre striker. With this tactical change, the South Korean manager has chosen the ruggedness of the Genk attacker to serve as a target man against the athletic South African backline.
Son Heung-min’s problems in this tournament began with the opening match against Czechia. He took six shots but did not score. Son was replaced by Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored the game-winning goal in the 80th minute.
A similar issue occurred in the second group match against Mexico. Son struggled to produce threatening opportunities again, except for a shot saved off the line by Edson Alvarez. He was substituted in the 57th minute of a 1-0 loss to El Tri.
Son Heung-Min has started 12 consecutive World Cup matches for South Korea until tonight. This is the first time they’ve opened a World Cup match without Son since 2010.
Why is Son Heung-min on the bench vs South Africa?
He has not been able to contribute in the last two games. He could be used as a super-sub.
When was the last time he wasn’t in the starting lineup in the World Cup?
In 2010.
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