At 33, captain Son Heung-min remains the attacking reference point, while Kim Min-jae brings elite-level experience from Bayern Munich. Lee Kang-in, Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung add further seniority in midfield.
The report also credits 35-year-old goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu with several important saves in the opening match. That spine gives South Korea a platform when Mexico increases the tempo, particularly in a demanding stadium atmosphere.
South Korea’s 26-man group is listed with an average age of 27.5, pointing to a balanced squad rather than a full rebuild. Younger options such as Jens Castrop and Bae Jun-ho, both 22, can offer energy without leaving Hong short of established leadership.
That blend may prove decisive late in matches. Experienced players can manage difficult moments, while the younger group can add running power and urgency when the game becomes stretched.
The report says South Korea’s opener was level at 1-1 before they recovered to win. Hong reportedly encouraged his players to stick with their original approach rather than abandon it under pressure.
Mexico will provide a sharper test of that mentality. Cho Gue-sung and Oh Hyeon-gyu are expected to support Son in attack, giving Hong options if Mexico limits the captain’s space.
The next storyline is whether South Korea’s senior core can control the occasion while its younger players change the rhythm. A strong showing against Mexico would turn an encouraging opening result into evidence of genuine tournament resilience.