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ZAPOPAN, Mexico — South Korea captain Son Heung-min is set to make his fourth career FIFA World Cup appearance when the Taegeuk Warriors face Czechia in their opening Group A match at Estadio Guadalajara on Thursday, according to Yonhap News Agency. The 33-year-old forward, who leads the national team, drew into the starting lineup for the 8 p.m. local time kickoff (11 a.m. Friday in South Korea).

With this appearance, Son will tie three former players — Hong Myung-bo, the current national team head coach; former striker Hwang Sun-hong; and ex-goalkeeper Lee Woon-jae — for the most World Cup appearances by a South Korean player, with four apiece, per Yonhap.

Son is also one goal away from becoming South Korea's all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals. He is currently tied with former players Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung for the most World Cup goals by a South Korean player, with three, Yonhap reported.

Coverage Comparison

All coverage of this match comes from Yonhap News Agency's English-language service, which has provided extensive reporting from Zapopan. The reports consistently highlight Son Heung-min's central role and his pursuit of individual records. One article focuses on his starting lineup and goal-scoring potential against Mexico, while another emphasizes his overall World Cup experience and achievements. A third piece, published ahead of the tournament, captures Son's mindset and personal commitment to the campaign.

Key Claims

Son will start as the lone striker in South Korea's 3-4-2-1 formation, supported by midfielders Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Jae-sung, and Lee Kang-in, according to Yonhap's match preview. His inclusion marks his second consecutive start for the national team at this year's tournament.

In a prematch press conference reported by Yonhap, Son expressed his team's determination: "The guys are so fired up for this match, and I actually have to calm them down. I hope our hard work will bear fruit, and I think we absolutely deserve it. The vibe is tremendous, and I can feel it from the eyes of my teammates. Every World Cup match is so important that we'd be willing to stake our lives on it. Tomorrow, we will give everything we've got and more."

Son also praised Czechia, calling them "a strong team featuring many talented players based in great leagues," Yonhap reported.

Czechia's attack will be led by Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, according to Yonhap. The Czech lineup, as listed by the agency, includes goalkeeper Matej Kovar and captain Ladislav Krejci in defense.

Perspectives

Son Heung-min's perspective: At 33, Son is at his fourth and possibly final World Cup, having evolved into a "transcendent superstar and a national icon," Yonhap wrote. Reflecting on his career, Son said his mindset remains the same whether it's his first or last World Cup: "I feel like a child again," he told reporters. He has never publicly declared this to be his last World Cup, emphasizing that the most important thing is to perform.

South Korea's historical context: Son has been a key figure in previous World Cups, netting his first career goal in 2014, helping South Korea stun Germany in 2018, and assisting the winning goal against Portugal in 2022 that sent the team to the knockout stage. These experiences frame his leadership role in the current squad.

Match significance: The winner of the South Korea-Mexico match will be crowned Group A winner with a game to spare and become the first team to clinch a knockout spot at this year's tournament, according to Yonhap. This adds competitive weight to the encounter beyond Son's individual milestones.