Son Heung-min (34, LAFC)'s silence is even being welcomed by World Cup rivals. Local media in South Africa also noted Son Heung-min's scoring slump, viewing it as a concern for Korea.
South African outlet "Kick Off" reported on the 11th (KST), "The poor form of Son Heung-min, a key star of the Korea national team, could give hope to the teams competing in the World Cup group stage."
Korea is in Group A of the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) CONCACAF World Cup group stage, drawn with Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa. The outlet called it "a tough group" and paid particular attention to Son Heung-min's recent form.
Son Heung-min, who currently plays for Major League Soccer (MLS) side LAFC in the United States, has gone through a prolonged scoring drought this season. He has played nine league matches but has not scored a goal. The outlet explained, "Son Heung-min, regarded as one of Asia's top stars, has not shown the sharpness that was expected."
In fact, Son Heung-min has eight assists in 10 official matches this season but has yet to open his scoring account. Regarding this, Kick Off reported, "Concerns are growing in Korea ahead of the World Cup."
Citing domestic media reports, it highlighted the decline in Son Heung-min's performance and noted, "Under coach Hong Myung-bo's system, Son Heung-min remains the most crucial player."
Korea will play its first group match against the Czech Republic, then face Mexico, and meet Hugo Bross's South Africa in the final match.
Kick Off said, "Korean fans hope Son Heung-min regains his finishing touch before the World Cup," but added, "From the perspective of South Africa, Mexico and the Czech Republic, Son Heung-min's current poor form can be a certain source of hope."
Meanwhile, the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup opens on June 11, and South Africa will start the tournament against Mexico.
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