*This content was translated by AI.
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, local reports indicate that Son Heung-min's (34, LAFC) prolonged goal drought is welcome news for the South African national team.
South African football media outlet Kickoff, on the 12th (Korean time), reported, "Son Heung-min's struggles ahead of the World Cup will put the South African national team in a favorable position," adding, "Son Heung-min is struggling as he has been unable to regain his scoring touch with his club."
The media added, "Son Heung-min, who plays in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, is going through a difficult period in terms of finishing. As Asia's top football star, he has not shown the sharp form that many fans expected."
In fact, Son Heung-min has appeared in 10 MLS matches this season but has yet to score, recording only eight assists. He managed to score two goals and provide seven assists in eight matches in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup, but LAFC was eliminated in the quarterfinals and failed to reach the final.
Across both the MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Son Heung-min has gone seven consecutive matches without scoring. While he has been performing a key role in his team's attack through decisive assists rather than goals, it is true that his scoring ability, which saw him net 12 goals in 13 MLS matches last season, has significantly declined.
The media also stated, "Son Heung-min has recorded eight assists in 10 MLS matches but has yet to score his first goal of the season. Concerns are beginning to emerge in Korea ahead of the World Cup," and added, "Korean media outlets are also pointing out Son Heung-min's decline in performance. Nevertheless, Son Heung-min is still considered a key player for the South Korean national team led by coach Hong Myung-bo."
Meanwhile, coach Hong Myung-bo is scheduled to announce the final 26-man roster for the North American World Cup on the 16th and will depart for the U.S., the pre-camp location, two days later. In the U.S., the team will play two friendly matches: against Trinidad and Tobago on the 30th and El Salvador on the 4th of next month. Son Heung-min is expected to join the Hong Myung-bo squad after playing all three remaining MLS matches before the World Cup: against St. Louis City on the 14th, Nashville SC on the 18th, and Seattle Sounders on the 25th.
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*This content was translated by AI.
