It’s the kind of high-stakes international showdown that has fans on both sides of the Pacific buzzing: the U.S. men’s national team, now under the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino, is set to face South Korea, captained by the electrifying Son Heung-min, on September 6, 2025, at Sports Illustrated Stadium in Harrison, New Jersey. With both teams boasting star-studded lineups and plenty of recent drama, this friendly is anything but routine. The match will be broadcast live in English on TNT, HBO Max, and Peacock, and in Spanish on Telemundo and Universo, ensuring that soccer enthusiasts across the continent won’t miss a beat.
All eyes are on Son Heung-min, the 33-year-old superstar who recently made headlines with his blockbuster $26.5 million move from Tottenham Hotspur to LA FC—an MLS record for an incoming transfer. Son’s arrival in Major League Soccer has already sent shockwaves through the league, but this week, his focus is squarely on the international stage. As captain of a South Korean squad ranked 23rd in the world by FIFA and already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, Son is determined to lead by example. The stakes are high, and the spotlight is brighter than ever.
But there’s another compelling storyline: the reunion between Son and his former Tottenham manager, Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino, who coached Son during his most prolific years at Spurs from 2014 to 2019, is now tasked with plotting against his old pupil. According to soccer analytics site Squaka, "The old student could be a bigger headache for Pochettino who got off to an unsatisfactory start in the United States." That’s putting it mildly. Since taking the helm of the U.S. national team last year, Pochettino’s tenure has been rocky. The Americans suffered defeats to Panama and Canada in the CONCACAF Nations League, missed the final, and endured a bruising 0-4 loss to Switzerland in a June warm-up. Even a run to the Gold Cup final ended in disappointment, with the U.S. falling to Mexico.
Some critics argue that Pochettino is simply experimenting, given that the U.S. has already secured automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup as a co-host alongside Canada and Mexico. Others, though, are less forgiving, pointing to the lack of cohesion and underwhelming results compared to his European coaching legacy. The upcoming clash with South Korea, then, is more than just a friendly; it’s a litmus test for Pochettino’s evolving project and his ability to adapt to the unique demands of international football in North America.
For Son Heung-min, the stakes are personal. Squaka’s deep-dive analysis highlights four signature facets of his game that could give Pochettino sleepless nights. First, there’s his prowess in transition. Since the 2016-2017 Premier League season, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has registered more shots in fast-break situations. In the 2024-2025 campaign, Son ranked second only to Salah in rapid-attack shooting—no small feat in one of the world’s toughest leagues.
Second, Son’s creativity and ability to combine with teammates are second to none. Whether it was his lethal partnership with Harry Kane at Tottenham or his quick one-twos with creative midfielders like James Maddison, Son has always been more than just a finisher. Now at LA FC, he’s averaging 4.21 opportunities created per 90 minutes, a testament to his vision and unselfish play. With PSG’s Lee Kang-in in the Korean midfield, the U.S. defense could be stretched to its limits. As Squaka notes, "Players with the ability to create fatal effects with Son Heung-min based on pass range, vision, and mobility" could spell trouble for any back line.
The third weapon in Son’s arsenal is his uncanny knack for finding and creating space. Not only can he score from virtually anywhere—his goal map over the years is a thing of beauty—but he also opens up lanes for teammates, pulling defenders out of position and creating chaos in the box. "Whether Pochettino instructs Son to mark Son Heung-min or allows him to defend while keeping his seat, the defenders will all be required to have excellent concentration. Just one mistake could cost the U.S. national team a lot of money," Squaka warns.
Finally, there’s Son’s trademark "cut inside and finish" move. Receiving the ball on the left, he darts inside with blistering pace and clinical precision, often leaving defenders flat-footed. Remarkably, Son can execute this move with either foot, making him doubly dangerous. Since joining LA FC, he’s averaging 1.81 dribbles per 90 minutes, and between 2016 and 2025, only four Premier League strikers have outscored his tally of 19 goals from outside the box. It’s no wonder defenders lose sleep ahead of facing him.
So how will Pochettino respond? Historically, he’s favored aggressive, high-pressing right fullbacks—think Sergiño Dest and Alex Freeman, both of whom are likely to feature in the U.S. lineup. But as Squaka points out, this approach could backfire if the Americans aren’t disciplined, leaving them exposed to Son’s devastating counterattacks. The tactical chess match is set: can Pochettino’s new charges contain his old talisman, or will Son write another chapter in their storied relationship?
The U.S. squad is a blend of seasoned MLS performers and returning European stars. Twelve players from the Gold Cup runner-up squad are back, including All-Star midfielders Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake) and Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps FC). Matt Freese (New York City FC), Jack McGlynn (Houston Dynamo FC), and Alex Freeman (Orlando City) are also in the mix after standout Gold Cup performances. Joining them for the September window are AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic, PSV Eindhoven’s Sergiño Dest, Marseille’s Tim Weah, and Norwich City’s Josh Sargent, adding quality and experience to the roster.
On the Korean side, Son is joined by a supporting cast brimming with talent and ambition. Lee Kang-in’s creativity, combined with Son’s finishing and leadership, gives the Reds a potent attacking edge. With World Cup qualification already secured, South Korea can approach this match as an opportunity to fine-tune tactics and test themselves against a U.S. team eager to prove a point on home soil.
As kickoff approaches, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. The match is more than just a test of tactics and talent—it’s a reunion between mentor and protégé, a showcase of MLS’s growing global influence, and a tantalizing preview of what both teams might bring to the World Cup stage next year. Fans can expect fireworks, drama, and, if history is any guide, at least one moment of magic from Son Heung-min.
With both squads hungry to make a statement and the added intrigue of Pochettino versus Son, Saturday’s clash in New Jersey promises to be anything but friendly. The world will be watching to see which storyline prevails when the whistle blows.
