Son Heung-Min remains unfazed by his goalscoring drought at LAFC, insisting his focus is locked on delivering for South Korea at the 2026 World Cup. The 33-year-old captain has managed just one goal in MLS competition this season despite amassing 16 assists across all competitions, a sharp contrast to his explosive arrival that saw him score 12 goals in 13 games at the end of 2025.
Speaking exclusively to GOAL, Son revealed his mindset heading into his fourth World Cup tournament: "I'm feeling good, I'm feeling great. Obviously, I'm missing some goals, but I guess it's coming in the World Cup." The South Korea forward carries the weight of expectation as his nation's most recognizable player globally and serves as a singular star for the national team. At club level, his partnership with Harry Kane at Tottenham forged his reputation as one of Asia's premier attacking talents.
From Outsider to National Symbol
Son's World Cup journey spans twelve years and roughly 150 career goals. His debut tournament in 2014 saw him score against Algeria while still largely unknown outside European circles. Since then, he has transformed Korea's fortunes—from beating Portugal in 2022 to securing the captaincy seven years ago. "A World Cup is like a kid's dream. As a grown man, when you're thinking about the World Cup, I feel like I'm still a child," he reflected on the tournament's enduring appeal.
Korea's improved status creates fresh pressure, no longer cast as plucky outsiders. The squad features talented players scattered across elite European clubs, but Son remains the focal point. His 2002 memories—watching Korea reach the World Cup semifinal as a 10-year-old—shaped his generation's ambitions. That historical precedent means his role extends beyond statistics into national symbolism.
Pressure as Motivation
Son frames mounting expectations positively: "Pressure means that you're doing well. That's why everybody gives you a lot of it. I'm always thinking about the positive. It's making me a better player and a better human being." With Korea positioned as genuine contenders rather than underdogs, the captain will need to shake off his club-level struggles and deliver on the grandest stage when the tournament arrives.
