When Son Heung-min stepped onto the pitch at Daejeon World Cup Stadium on November 14, 2023, his 35th-minute free kick didn’t just open the scoring against Bolivia—it signaled a shift in South Korea’s identity. The 33-year-old captain, now with Los Angeles Football Club but still the heartbeat of his national team, didn’t just score. He reminded everyone why this squad feels different heading into the 2026 World Cup. Two days later, as South Korea prepared for their next A-match—a November 18, 2023, friendly against Ghana at Seoul World Cup Stadium—Son didn’t talk about tactics or formations. He talked about experience. Specifically, the kind that only comes from playing in Europe’s elite leagues.
The European Edge
"Many players have European experience. That will be a big advantage at the World Cup," Son said in a pre-match interview, his tone calm but loaded with conviction. He didn’t name-drop out of pride. He named them because they’re real. Lee Kang-in, the 24-year-old playmaker from Paris Saint-Germain, lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy in 2022-2023. Jo Gyu-seong, who netted the second goal against Bolivia, plays for FC Midtjylland in Denmark’s top flight. Others are battling for Europa League spots in Spain, Germany, and Portugal. This isn’t a squad filled with occasional overseas stars. It’s a team built on players who’ve learned to win under pressure, in front of 80,000 fans, on nights when the lights are brightest."Some have won titles," Son added. "Those experiences will be a very big strength."
A Mentor Faces His Protégé
The opponent, Ghana, brings more than just a physical threat. Their coach, Otto Addo, isn’t just a former Borussia Dortmund technical director—he’s the man who guided Son through his earliest years in Germany. When Son was a 16-year-old with raw talent but no direction at Hamburger SV, Addo was the one who connected him with veteran Cha Du-ri and showed up at his apartment just to check in. "He always helped me a lot when things were difficult," Son recalled, voice softening. "He was a great help to my growth."Now, Addo faces him as a coach. "I can't help but think of Son Heung-min when it comes to facing South Korea," Addo told reporters ahead of the match. "You should always be careful not to make room for Son Heung-min." It’s not just respect—it’s fear. And it’s earned.
Leaving the Past Behind
Three years ago, Ghana beat South Korea 3-2 in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a result that still stings for some fans. But Son? He’s moved on. "I don't think much about the loss to Ghana three years ago," he said. "I'm only thinking about the upcoming World Cup." That mindset is telling. This isn’t about revenge. It’s about readiness. South Korea’s 2-0 win over Bolivia wasn’t pretty—they were sluggish in the first half—but they found their rhythm. That’s what matters now. The team’s morale, Son says, is high. "The players are in a good mood and are training hard."For Ghana, the stakes are equally high. They lost 2-0 to Japan on November 16, and their confidence is still rebuilding. Their last win over South Korea? That 2022 World Cup upset. But the game has changed. So have the players. The Black Stars, under Ghana Football Association president Kurt Okraku, are no longer the same team that stunned Qatar. South Korea, by contrast, is evolving into something more dangerous: a blend of youth, experience, and European grit.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Score
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is set for December 5, 2023. Ghana and South Korea could end up in the same group. That makes this friendly not just preparation—it’s reconnaissance. Coaches are watching. Scouts are taking notes. Players are testing chemistry. Son knows it. "There are certainly things to fix," he admitted. "But they can be addressed moving forward."The fact that South Korea is aiming for back-to-back A-match wins for the first time in years speaks volumes. This isn’t a team trying to rebuild. It’s a team trying to rise.
What’s Next?
After the Ghana match, South Korea’s next official fixtures will come in early 2024 as they enter World Cup qualifying. But the foundation is being laid now—in training sessions in Seoul, in the quiet confidence of Lee Kang-in after a Champions League win, in the way Son Heung-min carries himself as captain. The European experience isn’t just a talking point. It’s the engine.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is European experience so important for South Korea’s World Cup chances?
Players like Lee Kang-in and Jo Gyu-seong have competed in high-pressure European leagues, where match intensity, tactical discipline, and media scrutiny mirror World Cup conditions. That exposure builds resilience—something South Korea lacked in past tournaments. Son Heung-min emphasized that winning titles in the Champions League or fighting for Europa League spots gives players mental tools no domestic league can replicate.
How does Otto Addo’s connection to Son Heung-min affect the match dynamics?
Addo’s personal history with Son gives Ghana insight into his tendencies, but it also adds psychological weight. Son knows Addo’s defensive strategies from his youth days, and Addo knows Son’s movement patterns better than any scout. This isn’t just a tactical matchup—it’s a personal one, which raises the emotional stakes for both sides.
What’s the significance of this match for the 2026 World Cup draw?
The draw occurs on December 5, 2023, and Ghana and South Korea are both in Pot 3, meaning they could be grouped together. This friendly serves as a live test of each team’s current form, helping coaches evaluate potential opponents. A strong showing by South Korea could influence seeding perceptions, while Ghana needs a win to rebuild confidence after their loss to Japan.
Why is Son Heung-min downplaying the 2022 World Cup loss to Ghana?
Son is focused on evolution, not nostalgia. The 2022 team had a different midfield structure, no Lee Kang-in, and lacked the European depth this squad now possesses. Dwelling on past results distracts from building a new identity. His comment reflects a mature leadership approach—using history as context, not a burden.
How does this match compare to South Korea’s past November friendlies?
In recent years, South Korea’s November friendlies often featured experimental lineups and low-stakes results. This time, the team is fielding its strongest available XI, with key players like Son and Lee Kang-in fully engaged. The goal isn’t just fitness—it’s establishing a winning culture. The 2-0 win over Bolivia was their first clean sheet in a November friendly since 2019.
What role does Seoul World Cup Stadium play in this match’s importance?
Opened for the 2002 World Cup, this 66,000-seat venue is South Korea’s spiritual home for international matches. Playing here, especially with a packed crowd, simulates World Cup atmosphere. For young players like Lee Kang-in, it’s a chance to feel the pressure of a national stage before heading to North America in 2026.