Son Heung-Min, South Korea control destiny after Mexico defeat | OneFootball

By Dylan Butler

LAFC superstar Son Heung-Min made his record 147th appearance for South Korea, but couldn't lead the Taegeuk Warriors to a 2026 FIFA World Cup victory against co-hosts Mexico in Guadalajara on Thursday night.

Son was held scoreless throughout his 57-minute shift, subbed off for Oh Hyeon-Gyu shortly after Luis Romo's goal paved the way for El Tri's eventual 1-0 win.

South Korea's captain put a scare into the partisan crowd in Guadalajara, chipping goalkeeper Raúl Rangel before forcing Edson Álvarez to make a remarkable goal-line clearance, though the play was ultimately ruled offside.

Son's 12th World Cup match was his second against Mexico on the game's biggest stage. He scored against El Tri at the 2018 tournament in a 2-1 defeat, and memorably helped Mexico advance to the knockout rounds with a late goal vs. Germany.

Very much alive

Mexico advanced to the Round of 32 as Group A winners following the win, but South Korea remain in the driver's seat to advance. 

Heading into the final group stage match against South Africa on Wednesday at Monterrey Stadium, South Korea are second in Group A with three points, secured in a 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia. 

Son, who joined LAFC in August 2025 on a league-record deal from Tottenham Hotspur, is South Korea's second all-time leading scorer with 56 goals, two behind Cha Bum-Kun.

This season, Son leads MLS with nine assists while posting an additional 2g/7a during LAFC's run to the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.