Korea Republic begin World Cup preparations with friendly win at BYU's South Field
Son Heung-min scored a first-half brace, and Cho Gue-sung added two more after halftime as the Korea Republic routed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,454 fans in Provo.
PROVO — World Cup fever came to the Wasatch Front on a Saturday night before the United States hosts the world’s best national teams in the 2026 FIFA men’s World Cup.
Son Heung-min scored a first-half brace, and Cho Gue-sung added two more after halftime as the Korea Republic routed Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 in front of a sold-out crowd of 3,454 fans at BYU’s South Field on Saturday night.
The crowd started lining up two hours before kickoff to catch a glimpse of the world soccer superstar who now plays in Major League Soccer with LAFC, as well as his compatriots. Real Salt Lake was represented by center back Kobi Henry in Trinidad’s starting lineup, as well as former Real Monarchs standout (and 2019 USL champion) Noah Powder.
But the night belonged to Son, who led the 25th-ranked Taegeuk Warriors to breeze past the 102nd-ranked Soca Warriors in the first of two friendlies at altitude before opening the group stage in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Hwang Hee-chan also scored from the penalty spot for Korea, moments before Cho put the finishing touches on the match with his second goal in the 77th minute.
Here’s a look at the match through the lens of Salt City Soccer photographer Derick Fox. Follow him on Instagram, and Venmo.
