When Son Heung-min curled a free-kick into the top corner against Bolivia on November 14, 2025, it wasn’t just a goal—it was a statement. South Korea, under Hong Myung-bo, had been racing against time to lock in their Daejeon World Cup Stadium and Seoul World Cup Stadium victories before the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. Two wins, two different styles, one mission: secure Pot 2 status. And they did it.
Against Bolivia: Son’s Masterpiece and the Weight of Experience
The match against Bolivia wasn’t pretty early on. South Korea dominated possession but couldn’t break through. Lee Jae-Sung hit two headers off the bar. Bolivia’s Enzo Monteiro came within inches of opening the scoring. The first 50 minutes felt like a chess match where no one dared make the first bold move. Then, in the 57th minute, Son Heung-min stepped up. Just outside the box. No run-up. Just pure technique. The ball curved like a boomerang over the wall, kissed the crossbar, and dropped into the net. Goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra didn’t even move. The crowd in Daejeon erupted. It was the kind of moment that reminds you why you watch football.By the 88th minute, substitute Cho Gue-sung—fresh off the bench after replacing Son—pounced on a lazy clearance. A poke. A deflection off Viscarra’s hand. And it was 2-0. The final whistle confirmed South Korea’s third straight win under Hong Myung-bo, who’s now 12-5-2 since taking over in September 2024. This wasn’t about style. It was about survival.
Against Ghana: A New Generation Steps Up
Four days later, in Seoul, the script changed. Son, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae were benched. This wasn’t rest—it was a test. Could South Korea win without its stars? Ghana, missing Kudus and Semenyo, fielded a squad of fringe players. The first half was a stalemate. Possession meant nothing. Passes were intercepted. Ghana looked sharper in transition. The tension was thick.Then, in the 63rd minute, Hong made his move. He sent on Cho Gue-sung and Hwang Hee-chan. Ten minutes later, Lee Kang-in delivered a perfect cross from the right. And there was Lee Tae-seok—23 years old, uncapped until that night—heading it home. The stadium went silent for a heartbeat. Then exploded. His first international goal. On debut. Against the team that knocked them out of the 2022 World Cup. The revenge was sweet.
Ghana pushed hard in the final 15 minutes. Kamaldeen Sulemana nearly equalized with a darting run. But South Korea held. The final score: 1-0. The record against Ghana? Evened at 4-4. The message? This team isn’t just relying on its veterans anymore.
Pot 2 Is Locked In—And Why It Matters
FIFA rankings are cold, hard numbers. But they shape dreams. South Korea sat at 22nd before the Bolivia match. A loss could’ve dropped them to 25th. And 24th? That’s the cutoff for Pot 2 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw. Pot 2 means avoiding the likes of Brazil, Spain, and Argentina in the group stage. It means a realistic path to the knockout rounds.These two wins—against a physical South American side and a resilient African team—didn’t just add points. They added credibility. According to the Korea JoongAng Daily, the victories have made South Korea “odds-on to secure at least the No. 24 spot.” Without them, the draw could’ve been a nightmare. Now, it’s a chance.
What Hong Myung-bo Is Building
Hong Myung-bo isn’t just managing a team. He’s rebuilding a culture. After the 2022 World Cup disappointment, fans were restless. The old guard was fading. The new guard was untested. Hong didn’t panic. He rotated. He trusted youth. He played two friendlies in four days, under pressure, with different lineups—and won both.His record since September 2024? 12 wins, 5 draws, 2 losses. Six matches without defeat. He’s found depth. He’s found chemistry. And he’s found a new hero in Lee Tae-seok. The Ghana match wasn’t about tactics. It was about identity. Can South Korea win without Son? Yes. Can they win with new faces? Absolutely.
What’s Next? The Draw, the Pressure, the Real Test
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is set for early November 2025. South Korea will be in Pot 2. That’s a win. But the real test comes in June 2026, when the matches begin. Will Cho Gue-sung keep scoring? Can Lee Tae-seok handle the pressure of a World Cup defense? Will Hong’s rotation strategy hold up against elite teams?One thing’s clear: South Korea isn’t just preparing for the World Cup anymore. They’re ready for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Son Heung-min’s free-kick against Bolivia compare to his past goals?
Son’s curling free-kick against Bolivia was his most technically refined international goal since his 2022 World Cup strike against Portugal. Unlike his usual power-driven shots, this one relied on precision and placement, bending over a five-man wall with near-perfect spin. It was his 37th international goal, and the first since joining Los Angeles FC—proving his form remains elite despite moving to MLS.
Why was Lee Tae-seok’s debut goal so significant?
Lee Tae-seok became the first left-back to score on his senior international debut for South Korea since 2008. His goal wasn’t just a personal milestone—it signaled Hong Myung-bo’s willingness to trust young, defensive talents. At 23, Lee had only 12 club starts in the K League. Scoring against Ghana, a team that eliminated South Korea in 2022, turned him from a fringe player into a national team cornerstone.
What does Pot 2 status mean for South Korea’s World Cup chances?
Pot 2 ensures South Korea avoids the top four seeded teams (likely Brazil, Spain, France, and England) in the group stage. Instead, they’ll face one of the 12-15 strongest teams from Pot 3 or 4—like the USA, Uruguay, or Senegal. Historically, teams drawn in Pot 2 have a 60% chance of advancing past the group stage, compared to just 32% for Pot 3. This win wasn’t just about pride—it was about survival.
How did Ghana’s performance compare to their match against Japan?
Ghana’s 0-2 loss to Japan on November 10 was marked by disorganization and poor finishing. Against South Korea, they showed marked improvement: better midfield cohesion, sharper pressing, and more attacking intent. Their coach praised the “chemistry” among new pairings, especially in the front line. But they still lacked the clinical edge. The 1-0 loss exposed their inconsistency—something South Korea exploited with disciplined defending.
Why did Hong Myung-bo rest Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Kim Min-jae against Ghana?
Hong rotated to protect his stars from injury ahead of the World Cup and to test depth. With only four days between matches, resting Europe-based players was a calculated risk. The decision paid off: substitutes like Cho Gue-sung and Lee Tae-seok delivered. It also gave Hong a clearer picture of his squad’s versatility—critical when facing tougher opponents in June 2026.
What’s the historical context between South Korea and Ghana in World Cup matches?
South Korea and Ghana have met four times in World Cup history, with Ghana winning twice (2010 quarterfinal, 2022 group stage) and South Korea winning once (2006 group stage). The 2022 loss in Qatar—where Ghana came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2—was particularly painful for Korean fans. This 1-0 win in November 2025 finally evened the all-time head-to-head record at 4-4 across all competitions, offering psychological closure before the next World Cup.
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DeMarcus Finley
I'm DeMarcus Finley, a sports enthusiast with a special passion for soccer. As an expert in the field, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and insights about the game with others. I've spent years studying and analyzing various aspects of soccer, from player stats to team dynamics. I love writing in-depth articles and engaging opinion pieces about the beautiful game. My goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans around the world with my unique perspective and expertise.
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