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4h ago

Son Heung-min Poised to Break South Korea Caps Record Against Brazil

Hong Myung-bo casts the Seoul friendly as a World Cup tune-up, sticking with a back-three to test his defense.

Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean men's national football team, controls the ball during a training session at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 9, 2025. (Yonhap)
Hong Myung-bo (R), head coach of the South Korean men's national football team, chats with his captain Son Heung-min during the team's training session at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 9, 2025. (Yonhap)
Hong Myung-bo (R), head coach of the South Korean men's national football team, speaks at a press conference at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 9, 2025. (Yonhap)
Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean men's national football team, smiles during a press conference at Seoul World Cup Stadium in Seoul on Oct. 9, 2025. (Yonhap)

Overview

  • South Korea host sixth-ranked Brazil in Seoul on Friday at 8 p.m. local time as part of preparation for the 2026 World Cup.
  • Son is tied on 136 caps with coach Hong Myung-bo and Cha Bum-kun and would own the record outright with an appearance.
  • The 33-year-old debuted in 2010 and has scored 53 international goals, with 2026 set to be his fourth World Cup.
  • Hong emphasizes learning over results for this window and will persist with a back-three to evaluate his center backs and wingbacks.
  • Brazil arrive led by Carlo Ancelotti after replacing Dorival Junior earlier this year, qualifying for 2026 despite a rocky campaign.