Why Is Son Heung-Min Not Playing Tonight for South Korea vs El Salvador?

South Korea's final friendly before the World Cup is a match against El Salvador tonight at Brigham Young University.

South Korea has made multiple changes from their last friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, including Son Heung-Min from starter to the bench. The South Korean forward started the match over the weekend.

Son scored a brace against Trinidad and Tobago and played the full match. Son did not get injured during the game and was key to their 5-0 win last Sunday.

Gue-Sung Cho replaces Son Heung-Min in the striker role in the starting lineup. Dong-Gyeong Lee and Hee-Chan Hwang are the wingers for the South Korea team tonight against El Salvador.

Is Son Heung-Min injured?

No, Son Heung-Min is not injured and is on the bench for South Korea against El Salvador. The South Korean forward is available to play but is unlikely to get minutes.

This is South Korea's final game before the 2026 World Cup, and since their first game is next week, Son Heung-Min is likely to be rested today so the forward can focus on their opening game next summer.

South Korea will be playing against Czechia at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. It will be on the same day as the opening game of the 2026 World Cup: Mexico vs South Africa on June 11, 2026.

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This story was originally published June 3, 2026 at 5:45 PM.