South Korea captain Son Heung-Min is preparing to lead his national team at the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup in North America.
As the team's primary forward, Son is viewed as the central figure carrying the nation's hopes for success in the tournament. His presence is critical for a squad seeking a deep run in the competition.
This tournament marks the fourth [2] World Cup appearance for the veteran player. Despite his experience, Son said he feels like a "young boy again" as he enters the competition.
Son's arrival at the tournament follows a high-profile transition to Major League Soccer. He joined LAFC as the most expensive signing in the history of the league, with a deal valued at $26.5 million [3]. This move to the U.S. has provided him with a new platform just as he assumes leadership duties for his country.
Reports regarding his participation in the opening match against Czechia have varied. Some reports questioned if he would be part of the starting lineup, while other accounts indicated that South Korea subbed him off with 20 minutes remaining in a 1-1 tie [4, 5].
Regardless of the specific minutes played in the opener, the captain remains the focal point of the South Korean offensive strategy. He said that he wants to fulfill the aspirations of the South Korean people during the event.
Son's role extends beyond scoring goals, as he manages the psychological state of the team. His rejuvenated mindset and leadership are intended to stabilize the squad during the high-pressure environment of the world's largest sporting event.
“I feel like a young boy again.”
Son's transition to LAFC and his continued leadership of the national team signal a strategic shift in how elite Asian players approach the twilight of their careers. By maintaining a high level of competitiveness in the U.S. and continuing to captain South Korea, Son is bridging the gap between the growing commercial power of MLS and the traditional prestige of the FIFA World Cup.
