Why Son Heung-min’s finishing failed South Korea
South Korea crashed out of the 2026 World Cup at the group stage, and Son Heung-min’s poor finishing was a key factor. US Sports Illustrated (SI) highlighted his struggles after the opening 1-0 loss to Czechia in the group stage. Opta data showed Son posted an xG of 1.05 across the tournament but failed to score, the highest xG among all scoreless players. He managed just one shot on target from seven attempts, with a per-shot xG of 0.15.
World Cup standing: 3rd in Group E, 3 pts (1W-0D-2L), recent form LLW.
Hong Myung-bo’s fate hinged on missed chances
SI noted Son has been Korea’s heartbeat for a decade, the nation’s all-time top appearance-maker and just two goals shy of Cha Bum-kun’s record 30. Yet in Qatar 2026, his finishing deserted him. “His power seems spent,” the magazine wrote. Korea lost 0-1 to Mexico and South Africa in succession and failed to advance. SI argued that if Son had delivered his usual cutting edge, Hong Myung-bo’s tenure might have been spared.
What South Korea must fix now
Son’s drought underpinned Korea’s group-stage exit. After the Czechia match raised hopes with confident football, poor finishing derailed the campaign. SI wrote Korea faded physically and mentally after that opener, with Son’s blank failing to lift morale. Korea finished the tournament with three points from three games (1W-2L).
The road ahead
The 2026 World Cup exit forces Korea to reset. Son and the veterans need rebooting while young talent must step up. Hong Myung-bo’s future is also in the balance. SI concluded Korea must overcome Son’s slump and find new leadership. Korea beat Ghana 1-0 on 18 Nov 2025, but the 2026 World Cup left bitter memories.
Recent form (last five): 3W-1D-1L (WWWLD), on a three-game winning run.
