Son Heung-min says his goals will follow if he prioritises South Korea, downplaying a scoreless start for Los Angeles FC in MLS as he joins the national camp. The captain insists fitness and form are fine as the Taegeuk Warriors fine-tune details ahead of a World Cup group with co-hosts Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
Son Heung-min unfazed by MLS drought, insists team-first focus ahead of World Cup
Son Heung-min arrives at South Korea’s pre-World Cup camp calm and clear-eyed despite failing to score in Major League Soccer so far this season for Los Angeles FC. The 33-year-old captain, whose international tally stands at 54 goals in 142 appearances, says form is not a concern and that putting the team first will restore his scoring touch on football’s biggest stage.
Fitness and mindset: why Son is unconcerned
Son emphasises physical readiness and a consistent mentality. He says he feels “great” physically and that worry only comes if his performances dip — not simply from a lack of goals. The forward even joked about “saving goals for the World Cup,” but framed his priorities around helping the team rather than chasing personal milestones.
From Tottenham to LAFC: context for the scoreless run
Once one of the Premier League’s most reliable scorers at Tottenham Hotspur, Son’s role at LAFC and in MLS brings different dynamics: tactical roles, team chemistry and the calendar can all affect goal returns. That adjustment period is not unusual for a player juggling club change and national-team duties, and Son appears to be managing expectations by focusing on contribution over raw numbers.
What Son's leadership means for South Korea
As captain, Son’s influence extends beyond finishing. His insistence on “putting the team above all else” signals a leadership approach centred on structure and cohesion. For a side that reached the last 16 in Qatar, having a captain who prioritises collective performance could sharpen Korea’s tactical discipline and mental resilience in a competitive group.
Group stage picture and immediate objectives
South Korea will open their tournament against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara on June 11 and then face co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. Son’s message from the Utah training camp is procedural: focus on details in preparation rather than speculating on knockout paths. That daily-process emphasis aims to keep the squad grounded against varied, physically and tactically different opponents.
What to watch: form, role and finishing
Key indicators over the coming matches will be Son’s minutes, his positional role and how LAFC’s season rhythms carry into his international play. If Son prioritises chance creation and leadership, goals may follow as a byproduct rather than a primary objective — and one goal in the tournament would push him to the top of South Korea’s World Cup scoring charts.
Why this matters
Son’s stance matters for Korea’s tournament prospects because his influence reshapes team dynamics. A focused, fit captain who accepts an evolving role can elevate teammates, create space, and provide the composure South Korea will need against Mexico’s intensity and the Czech Republic’s organisation.
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The immediate takeaway: Korea look prepared, pragmatic and intent on process — and Son’s leadership is central to that plan.
The Star
