The South Korean national soccer team, under the guidance of head coach Hong Myung-bo, secured a narrow 1-0 victory against El Salvador in a warm-up match held at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. The match took place at 10 a.m. on June 4, 2026 (Korea Standard Time), with Lee Dong-kyung scoring the decisive goal from a free kick in the 12th minute of the second half. This match served as a crucial preparation ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA North American World Cup.

Match Overview

Coach Hong Myung-bo implemented a 3-4-3 formation for the match. Kim Seung-gyu was positioned in goal, while Lee Ki-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Han-beom formed the defensive trio. The midfield consisted of Lee Tae-seok, Hwang In-beom, Lee Jae-sung, and Seol Young-woo, with Hwang Hee-chan, Cho Kyu-sung, and Lee Dong-kyung leading the attack. El Salvador adopted an aggressive approach, contrasting with the more relaxed style of Trinidad and Tobago in the previous match, which posed challenges for the South Korean side.

Player Highlights

Lee Ki-hyuk emerged as a standout performer during the first half, drawing attention with his surprising selection as a left stopper. He not only contributed to the defensive efforts but also initiated attacks, showcasing his versatility. A notable moment came in the 9th minute of the first half when Lee Ki-hyuk executed a quick low pass to Lee Tae-seok, who was making a run down the left flank. However, the opportunity was ultimately lost due to a defensive intervention.

In the second half, Coach Hong Myung-bo made strategic substitutions, bringing in Cho Wi-je and Song Bum-keun, while Lee Han-beom and Kim Seung-gyu were replaced. Despite the challenges posed by El Salvador, the South Korean team managed to secure the win, marking their second consecutive victory in the U.S. Coach Hong expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "I've got a definite harvest."