Son Heung-min (33, Los Angeles FC)’s playing time is decreasing. It has been since the Korean nation..
Son Heung-min (33, Los Angeles FC)’s playing time is decreasing. It has been since the Korean national soccer team confirmed its advance to the 2026 North American World Cup finals.
Son played 63 minutes against the U.S. in September and 45 minutes against Mexico. He played 63 minutes against Brazil in October and 45 minutes against Paraguay.
The ‘how to use Son Heung-min’ is not expected to change much in November. Coach Hong Myung-bo of the Korean national soccer team continues to think about ways to maximize Son’s strengths.
사진 확대 Son Heung-min. Photo = Reporter Lee Geun-seung
South Korea will play a friendly match against Bolivia at 8 p.m. on November 14 at Daejeon World Cup Stadium.
Coach Hong said at a pre-press conference against Bolivia at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on the 13th, “Bolivia is a team that maintains a very good style,” adding, “Although some of Bolivia’s main players are missing, there are competitive players.”
Coach Hong continued, “In particular, I think the new players will actively participate. You have to prepare for that. We will focus on showing what we have prepared as much as possible,” he said.
사진 확대 Korean national soccer team coach Hong Myung-bo (left) and captain Son Heung-min (right). Photo = Courtesy of Yonhap News
Hong also mentioned the plan to utilize Son Heung-min in November.
Coach Hong said, “There are many competitive players in that position,” adding, “There are players who are maintaining good performance in their teams.”
Coach Hong continued, “Son Heung-min just needs to play his part as he is now. We must make a comprehensive judgment. I don’t know what will happen next June. In particular, European players will play in the World Cup after the 2025-26 season. You should also consider the arrangement of your physical strength. We’re documenting all this. It’s not just about Son Heung-min’s playing time. We want to make aggressive changes by putting prepared players in each game situation. We are sending out the right players according to the situation.
사진 확대 Son Heung-min. Photo = Reporter Lee Geun-seung
Son Heung-min is in the best shape.
Son Heung-min joined LA FC of the U.S. Major League Soccer (MLS) in the second half of the 2025 season and scored 10 goals and 3 assists in 12 league games.
Thanks to Son Heung-min’s tremendous performance, LA FC is trying to win the 2025 season championship (MLS Cup).
Son Heung-min scored two goals and one assist in the three official matches he played in the LA FC uniform before joining the national team in November.
[Daejeon = Lee Geun-seung, MK Sports Reporter]
