Son had just closed the MLS game with Seattle on 24 May 24 before moving to Salt Lake to join the Korean team under the Hong Myung-bo coach. Despite having not yet scored in the MLS this season through 13 games with Los Angeles FC, 33-year-old protagonist was at ease in preparing for the fourth World Cup in his career.

"I've never lacked confidence in football", Son answered Chosun's question about the current style when he went to the same Korean league on May 26,. "If collective priority and dedicated effort, the goal will come on its own. My condition is very good. I'm saving my energy for the World Cup".

Korean Preliminary Son Heung-min thanks fans after Malaysia 3-3 at the end of the 2023 E Asian Cup board on the Al Janoub, Al Wakrah, Qatar on January 25. Image: AP

The 2026 World Cup is likely also the last time Son appears in the largest tournament on the planet. The Korean media called this the "last dance" of the 1992 Army. He had previously attended the 2014 World Cup series, 2018 and 2022. However, Son says his feelings remain intact as they were for the first time.

"How many World Cups don't matter," he said. "Every time I think of the World Cup, I feel like a kid dreaming. I'm still as eager as the first time I've ever been to the award".

Korean team list for the 2026 World Cup. Image: Sporteskeda

In addition to physical issues, Koreans face many tactical questions ahead of the World Cup. US RotoWire page assesses the Asian football team that owns the credits enough to compete against all competitors at the A table, thanks to Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan.

However, foreign media also pointed out that Korea's biggest weakness lies in the ranks. The 3-4-2-1 system is preferred by coach Hong Myung-bo to help the team shift their state of attack better, but often exposes gaps behind the two-edge backs as the rear guard advanced.

The 0-4 defeats in front of the Coast of Cône and 0-1 in front of Austria in the March 3,026 mating series increased the anxiety. Korea can't score a goal in 180 minutes in these two games. If Son doesn't make a difference, Korean shadows are immediately restricted.

In the opposite direction, the Kim Min-jae Guard is considered the key to stable operating systems. According to the American newspaper, for the attack stars to exert maximum capacity, Korea must first withstand pressure.

The Hong Myung-bo Army will open up the World Cup by meeting CHA on 11 June in Guadalajara, before the turn to meet Mexico and South Africa. Son is in front of the opportunity to transcend the legends Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung to become the most goal-keeper in the history of the World Cup.