Son Heung-min has not yet set his own end. Even as everyone views this North American World Cup as his final stage, he still talked about what comes next. And his gaze was still directed toward the taegeuk mark.
Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) will play Seattle Sounders at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, U.S., on the 25th (Korean time) in the 2026 Major League Soccer (MLS) Western Conference 14th round.
Currently LAFC is in eighth place in the Western Conference with six wins, three draws and five losses (21 points). The mood has dipped after earning one draw and three losses in the last four official matches. Son Heung-min has yet to score his first MLS goal and is aiming to bounce back through the Seattle match.
After this match, Son Heung-min will immediately join coach Hong Myung-bo's squad. He will participate in the pre-camp for the North American World Cup held in Salt Lake City, U.S., and begin full-scale World Cup preparations.
At a news conference held on the 23rd, Son Heung-min also spoke frankly about the environment of the North American World Cup.
He laughed and said, "The World Cup is being held in the U.S., so we came to the U.S., but I'm a bit surprised that we're actually going to play matches in Mexico," then added, "Still, because the pre-camp is in Salt Lake City, it's positive that we can prepare in good condition."
He added, "I'm preparing well without any pain. I want to do well with the national team and play enjoyably."
Son Heung-min is already a player who has left his name in the history of Korean football on the World Cup stage. He has recorded three goals and one assist in World Cup competition so far, and with just one more goal in this tournament he would become the sole holder of the record for most World Cup goals by a Korean player.
But Son Heung-min talked about the team before individual records. He said, "Football is not a solo sport," and explained, "Rather than my own greed, I think about how my teammates can play better."
He added, "It's the same at my club. Just because goals aren't coming now doesn't mean the ability suddenly disappears. I think I can score again at any time," showing confidence.
Above all, what drew attention was his answer about the future.
This North American World Cup is Son Heung-min's fourth World Cup overall. If the 2030 World Cup takes place, Son Heung-min will be 38. Naturally, there are many projections that this tournament will be his last World Cup.
However, Son Heung-min drew a line.
He said, "Honestly, I don't know whether it will be the last," and added, "When I think of the World Cup I still feel like a child."
He continued, "Since I was young I watched the World Cup and dreamed of becoming a player like that. Whether it's the third or the fourth, my dream and passion for the World Cup are the same," and stressed, "In this tournament as well, I want to do my best on and off the pitch without losing my original resolve."
Son Heung-min has not yet spoken of his end. Rather, he was looking toward another challenge.
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