Korea defeated China 3-0 in a second-round Asian qualifier for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. on Tuesday.Captain Son Heung-min played a key part in the victory, scoring two goals and one assist at the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Center.Korea secured its second consecutive victory in the second round of Asian qualifiers after beating Singapore 5-0 on Nov. 16.
Son scored the opening goal in the 11th minute with a penalty kick earned by Hwang Hee-chan of Wolverhampton Wanderers. Facing boos from Chinese fans, who tried to sway the Korean footballers, he brought his finger to his lips and performed his trademark celebration, pretending to take a picture with a camera.
Son added another goal with a header off a corner from Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain in the 45th minute. In the 87th minute, he sent a free kick to Jung Seung-hyun of Ulsan Hyundai, who headed the ball into the net.Son recorded his 40th and 41st goals for Korea in his 116th international match.
Korea will face Thailand, currently No. 122 in the FIFA world rankings, in its next qualifier in March next year.
