Son issues warning as S. Korea travel to China in World Cup qualifier

South Korea is gearing up for a crucial World Cup qualifying match against China this Tuesday. Son Heung-min, the team’s standout talent, is urging his teammates to stay composed in front of the full house crowd. The showdown will take place in Shenzhen, near the border of Hong Kong, and is one of the most anticipated games in the second phase of World Cup qualifying for North America.

As part of the second round of games in the second phase, other notable matches include Australia versus Palestine in Kuwait, Japan taking on Syria in Jeddah, Iran facing Uzbekistan, and India hosting Qatar.

In their first qualifying match, South Korea dominated Singapore with a 5-0 victory, with Son Heung-min scoring an impressive goal from outside the box. As a result, the team currently leads Group C alongside China, who secured a 2-1 victory in Thailand.

Despite being the favorites in Shenzhen, Son Heung-min is wary of the physical play that Asian teams may bring, emphasizing the need to stay focused on their game plan.

The match is expected to draw over 40,000 fans to the Shenzhen Universiade Sports Centre stadium, highlighting the increasing popularity of football in China.

While President Xi Jinping has ambitious plans for Chinese football, winning the World Cup remains a distant goal. However, China’s recent victory over Thailand has fueled optimism among fans and leaders alike.

Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, both South Korea and China are poised to advance from Group C when the second round concludes in June, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the final qualifying round.

Meanwhile, Australia and Japan, both strong contenders in the 2022 World Cup, are off to a flying start in their qualifying campaigns. Australia’s 7-0 win against Bangladesh and Japan’s 5-0 victory over Myanmar have set the stage for enthralling encounters against Palestine and Syria, respectively.

In the midst of preparations, Australia’s coach Graham Arnold has acknowledged the challenges and stresses, particularly given the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas conflict. However, the focus remains firmly on football, with the team making logistical adjustments to optimize their readiness.

The upcoming matches promise an exhilarating display of football talent and determination as teams battle for a coveted spot in the 2026 World Cup.