Heung-Min Son Leads South Korea Past USMNT
The USMNT needs to improve massively ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The United States Men’s National Team continued its lackluster form heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of South Korea.
The Stars and Stripes were fresh off a run to the Concacaf Gold Cup final that saw the USMNT come up short in the final against Mexico. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup inches closer, confidence remains lacking in the squad.
Matt Freese started in net behind the backline of Sergiño Dest, Tim Ream, Tristan Blackmon, and Max Arfsten. Tyler Adams and Sebastian Berhalter were the midfield duo while Diego Luna was the No.10. Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic were on the wings while Josh Sargent was up top as a lone striker.
Berhalter registered the first shot on target of the match, taking advantage of a turnover off the foot of Bayern Munich center back Min-jae Kim but the Vancouver Whitecaps’ shot was parried away by South Korean goalkeeper Hyeon-Woo Jo. South Korea soon followed up with a chance on goal that was stopped by Freese.
The U.S. was able to carry quality spells of possession throughout the first half but failed to take advantage. A familiar sight to fans, Norwich striker Josh Sargent struggled in front of goal whether it be due to lack of service or lack of finishing ability. Min-jae Kim and the South Korea back line had the striker locked down and seemingly in for a difficult night in New Jersey.
It wasn’t long before the man that 99 percent of the stadium came to see, did what he does best; score goals. Heung-Min Son was played in on goal by Jae-Sung Lee and the South Korean striker didn’t disappoint. From a tight angle his far post strike rocketed into the back of the net to give South Korea a 1-0 lead in the 19th minute.
Another USMNT player who had some first-half woes was Triston Blackmon. The Whitecaps defender is a top Major League Soccer center back but he struggled mightily against Heung-Min Son and the South Korean attack.
Weah got the best chance of the half for the USMNT with a point-blank opportunity in the 40th minute but his shot was wide of the net.
Things went from bad to worse in the 43rd minute as a neat give-and-go between Heung-Min Son and Jae-Sung Lee. Freese came out of his box and bowled into Son but Lee was able to pick up the rebound to give South Korea a 2-0 lead.
Pulisic got an opportunity from the top of the box in stoppage time but his shot sailed high above the net. Heading into halftime, South Korea had all the momentum and were outclassing the U.S. on the pitch.
Pochettino made his first subs in the 62nd minute, a line change hoping to inject some life into the match for the USMNT. Christian Roldan, Chris Richards, Alex Freeman, and Folarin Balogun came into the match with Blackmon, Dest, Adams, and Weah coming off.
South Korea made changes of its own as Kang-In Lee, Hyeon-Gyu Oh, and Jens Castrop came into the match with Heung-Min Son, Jin-Gyu Kim, and Dong-Gyeong Lee coming out of the match.
In the 71st minute Álex Zendejas replaced Luna and soon after Jack McGlynn replaced Berhalter. Zendejas picked up a yellow card for a reckless challenge in the 81st minute.
Balogun had the best chances of the half for the U.S. with three prime chances in front of goal but Hyeon-Woo Jo made three impressive saves in a row to deny the striker.
The USMNT has a lot of work to do as the 2026 FIFA World Cup inches closer but as of right now, they look like a team with no confidence and ability to get past the group stage, never mind make an impactful run in arguably the most important tournament in a country’s history.