Son Heung-min Criticizes Poor Pitch Conditions as South Korea Struggles in World Cup Qualifiers South Korea captain Son Heung-min has voiced his frustration over the subpar pitch conditions that he believes have contributed to the team's difficulties in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. His comments came after South Korea was held to a 1-1 draw against Jordan on Tuesday, a result that puts their automatic qualification hopes under threat. This marked the second consecutive home draw for the Taegeuk Warriors, following another disappointing 1-1 result against Oman last week. Despite still leading Group B with 16 points, South Korea faces mounting pressure with a crucial away match against third-placed Iraq on the horizon. Home Advantage Undermined by Poor Playing Surfaces South Korea’s recent qualifiers were relocated away from the capital, Seoul, due to the deteriorating condition of the national stadium’s pitch. However, Son expressed disappointment that the new venues failed to provide the high-quality playing surface expected for international matches. “When we play at home, we should have the best conditions possible, but things haven’t improved at all,” the Tottenham Hotspur star told reporters in Suwon after the game. “I know we can perform better, but when our own pitch becomes a disadvantage, I wonder where our home advantage really is.” Son’s remarks highlight an ongoing issue in South Korean football. Poor pitch conditions have been a frequent concern, affecting both domestic and international games. Last month, former Manchester United star Jesse Lingard, now playing for FC Seoul in the K League, publicly criticized the state of the pitches after he tripped on loose turf during a match. Even South Korea’s World Cup qualifier against Iraq in October 2023 had to be moved away from Seoul due to concerns about the playing surface. Son emphasized that such factors, although they may seem minor, can significantly impact results in high-stakes competitions. “I know this may sound like an excuse, but small details in football matter,” he said. “They can make the difference between getting one point or securing three points. I hope this issue gets the attention it deserves.” South Korea’s Qualification Hopes Hang in the Balance Despite the frustrating results, South Korea remains in control of their destiny. Lee Jae-sung put them ahead in the fifth minute against Jordan, but the visitors responded with an equalizer later in the first half. Meanwhile, Iraq suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Palestine, allowing South Korea to maintain their three-point lead at the top of the group. With only two matches remaining in the qualifying round, the Taegeuk Warriors must secure positive results to guarantee direct qualification to the 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The top two teams in each group automatically qualify, while third-placed teams enter additional playoff rounds. South Korea’s next challenge is an away fixture against Iraq, followed by a home match against Kuwait to conclude their campaign. Son remains optimistic despite the setbacks. “Even though these results are disappointing, we’re still leading the group, and that’s what matters,” he said. “We want to hold that position until the end.” With tensions rising and qualification on the line, South Korea will need to overcome both their on-field struggles and their off-field challenges to book their place in the World Cup.