Son Heung-min named among 26 World Cup stars to watch

Son Heung-min of Los Angeles FC has been named one of 26 global stars to watch at the 2026 North America World Cup by Yahoo Sports.

Yahoo Sports published its list of 26 players representing their nations on Wednesday, two days before the tournament kicks off.

Describing South Korea's undisputed attacking leader, Yahoo Sports said Son — a former Tottenham Hotspur winger now in his second season with MLS side LAFC — arrives at the World Cup in a goal drought. He recorded nine assists in 14 league matches this season but failed to score, a sharp contrast to the previous season when he netted nine goals in 10 league appearances.

Yahoo Sports predicted that if Son rediscovers his scoring touch, South Korea will have a strong chance of advancing from the group stage, suggesting the team's fate rests squarely on his boots.

Son is stepping onto the World Cup stage for the fourth time, having also been selected to the MLS All-Star "First 11" ahead of the July All-Star Game following the tournament. A single goal would give him four career World Cup goals, setting a new all-time record for a South Korean player.

Others on Yahoo Sports' list include Argentina's Lionel Messi, England's Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, Ousmane Dembele of France — a Paris Saint-Germain teammate of last year's Ballon d'Or and FIFA Best Men's Player winner Lee Kang-in — and 18-year-old Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal, who is set to appear in his first World Cup.

Among key players from South Korea's Group A rivals, Yahoo Sports highlighted Mexico's veteran striker Raul Jimenez, who is in his 30s, and 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, who is expected to anchor Mexico's midfield.