Son Heung-min. [Reuters]
Son Heung-min. [Reuters]

Son Heung-min has returned to Los Angeles FC after South Korea's elimination from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

According to LAFC, coach Dos Santos addressed Son's mental and physical condition at a press conference Thursday ahead of the club's "El Trafico" derby against LA Galaxy. Son returned to the United States on Friday and rejoined the team in training.

"I'm happy to have Heung-min, Jacob Shaffelburg and Matt Evans back," Dos Santos said. "The players are happy to be back and they missed being here."

Son captained South Korea at the World Cup but the tournament ended in disappointment. Korea was eliminated in the group stage, and Son finished without a goal or assist. After the tournament, Son issued a public apology to fans, saying he was sorry for failing to meet their expectations.

[AFP]
[AFP]

"Since becoming LAFC's coach, I've learned about the passion Korean fans have — not just for Heung-min, but for the national team," Dos Santos said. "Honestly, I've been following everything that happened with the national team."

"My role is to welcome a player I know well, give him confidence and get him ready to help LAFC," he added. "We talk every day."

On Son specifically, Dos Santos said: "Heung-min loves his country and wanted to get a good result at the World Cup. If you ask me whether he has fully gotten over what happened there — no, he hasn't. It's because he genuinely cares about the national team and his country."

[AP]
[AP]

Dos Santos said Son is not yet back to full fitness. "Heung-min is not physically perfect — nobody is right now," he said. "He hasn't played for five weeks and has been going through preseason again."

"His condition will improve through matches and training. That's not just true for Heung-min — it applies to everyone," Dos Santos added. He confirmed Son would feature against LA Galaxy.

LAFC is competing for regular-season standings while also eyeing berths in the Leagues Cup and the 2027 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Son's return to action is set for Friday against LA Galaxy.


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