Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) appears to have fully entered "World Cup mode." He even directly mentioned that his move to the United States was a choice to prepare for the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup. Asked about the situation of playing the World Cup group stage in Mexico, he smiled and said, "It's bewildering."
LAFC, for which Son Heung-min plays, will face the Seattle Sounders in the 15th round of the 2025 Major League Soccer (MLS) season at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, California, at 10:15 a.m. on the 25th (Korea time).
The current mood at LAFC is not good. The team is on a four-game losing streak in official matches. For the first time since its founding, the club faces the risk of five consecutive losses. Son Heung-min too remains without his first MLS goal of the 2026 season and has been silent in the league for 12 consecutive matches.
Under coach Mark Dos Santos, Son's role has also changed. Compared with before, his role as a second-line playmaker and a consolidation link has increased rather than scoring. Naturally, his production of attacking points has also decreased.
Son Heung-min also acknowledged his frustration. He said, "When circumstances do not go in our favor, there are things that are hard to say. It's very difficult and extremely frustrating. But I've been in the soccer world for a long time and I know how things work. Right now it's a process of creating something new."
He added, "I don't think the Nashville game and the St. Louis game were matches that should have ended with zero points. If we had won those matches, the atmosphere could have been completely different," and added, "Still, we are continuing to work hard. I hope we regain good momentum before the break."
But the interview naturally turned to the World Cup.
Son Heung-min did not hide his excitement ahead of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup, about three weeks away. It will be his fourth World Cup overall.
He said, "The World Cup always feels like a dream. No matter how many times you play, you look forward to it like a child. Representing the Republic of Korea carries great responsibility, but I am proud of that responsibility."
He also effectively acknowledged that his move to the United States was not unrelated to World Cup preparation.
Korea will play all three of its World Cup group matches in Mexico. A matchup with host country Mexico is also scheduled. Moreover, the Estadio Akron, where the matches will be held, is at a high altitude of 1,571 meters above sea level.
Son Heung-min said, "The Mexico away match won't be easy. It was difficult because of the altitude and environmental conditions," but he explained, "The national team camp will also be held in Salt Lake. So I think it won't be a big problem."
He then left an enigmatic comment.
He smiled and said, "It's a bit bewildering that we're playing in Mexico even though the World Cup is in the United States," then added, "Still, the biggest advantage is that, in terms of the Salt Lake camp and adapting to the environment, I can play in much better condition than other players. That's the part I focused on most while preparing for the World Cup."
This can be interpreted as meaning that the move to MLS itself was a choice made with consideration for adapting to World Cup conditions. That remark could sound somewhat disappointing to LAFC fans.
However, Son Heung-min's mind already seems full of the World Cup. He emphasized, "The World Cup is a festival. It's a celebration waited for by soccer fans for four years," and said, "I want to make a tournament where we can laugh and enjoy it with the people of the Republic of Korea."
He drew a line when asked about the possibility that this tournament could be his last World Cup.
Son Heung-min said, "It may not be the last. Honestly, I don't know," and stressed, "No matter which number World Cup it is, my feelings are the same as when I first dreamed of it. I want to pour everything in just like at the beginning."
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