South Korea falls 0-1 to South Africa, Son Heung-min flies to the US

The South Korea national football team suffered a 0-1 defeat to South Africa on June 25, 2026, at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico. The loss left the team in third place in Group A, keeping a slim chance of reaching the round of 32, dependent on other group results. After the match, captain Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) boarded a flight from Incheon International Airport to Los Angeles, signing autographs for fans before departing.

Why is Son’s early return drawing attention?

Son was shocked to be omitted from the starting XI throughout the group stage, including early substitutions against the Czech Republic and Mexico, and failed to register any attacking points. Nine days after the World Cup, he headed back to the United States, a move seen as a strategic push to rejoin LAFC for the MLS second half. LAFC will face rivals LA Galaxy on July 18 in the “El Tráfico” derby, and they are counting on Son to regain his sharpness before the showdown.

Current World Cup standing and the impact of the South Africa loss

South Korea currently sits 3rd in the group with 3 points (1 win, 0 draws, 2 losses) and a recent form of LLW (last five games: 3W‑0D‑2L, losing the last two). The defeat to South Africa continues a trend of scoring no goals while conceding, ending the group stage with 2 goals scored and 3 conceded (‑1 goal difference). Being third means the team must now watch other groups’ outcomes to stay alive.

How Son’s return could affect LAFC

LAFC trails the league leaders Mexico by 6 points in the title race and hopes Son’s comeback will broaden their attacking options. He has already logged 30 MLS appearances with 12 goals this season, and his presence in the second half could help close the points gap. Fans are eager to see Son quickly regain his rhythm and make a decisive impact in the upcoming El Tráfico clash.