MLS Prepares for Massive Challenge After South Korean Legend Left USMNT Stunned on Home Soil

The past few days have been quite a rollercoaster for the USMNT. Mauricio Pochettino and Co. ended their September window with a 2-0 win over Japan, but the start saw a dramatic turn of events as they suffered a tough 2-0 loss to South Korea. Leading the charge in that victory was none other than Korean icon Son Heung-min, who found his name on the scoresheet. And it seems the forward isn’t done wowing American fans, as he now gears up for a much-anticipated MLS challenge—set to take place in front of a whopping 56,000 spectators!

Shortly after leaving the USMNT fans’ mouths open, Son now returns for his domestic action with Los Angeles FC, who will be travelling to Levi’s Stadium for their weekend regular-season clash against the San Jose Earthquakes. Though it may seem like a typical MLS clash, renowned journalist Favian Renkel says that this is going to be a rather “historic match” in terms of attendance. And there’s only one man responsible for this, Son Heung-Min.

Not only is the match almost sold out, but it could also challenge the San Jose Earthquakes’ attendance record. Strong ticket sales are mainly due to the fact that Son is making his debut in the Bay Area, so there aren’t many seats left, with even the upper deck of the stadium being open on the sideline side.

If noted carefully, the San Jose Earthquakes opening up the upper deck at Levi’s Stadium is quite a big deal for a venue that already boasts a massive capacity. In total, Levi’s Stadium can hold more than 56,000 fans in general seating—around 45,000 in the lower bowl—along with over 9,000 on the club level and 2,000 in suites. By unlocking the upper deck, the Quakes are gearing up for what could be a historic night for soccer in the Bay Area.

The significance of this move is underscored by San Jose’s all-time standalone attendance record, which currently sits at 50,850. That mark has only come close to being challenged before, most notably during a Leagues Cup clash with Chivas, when 50,675 fans packed Levi’s Stadium. With Son making his Bay Area debut, excitement is at an all-time high, and the crowd could easily rival or surpass that previous record.

Looking ahead, Son’s appearance in San Jose could even put the match among the top five MLS regular-season attendances of 2025, with the number to beat standing at 51,002. Given the draw of a global superstar and the energy around the Quakes’ home crowd, this matchup is shaping up to be more than just a game—it’s a landmark moment for MLS and for soccer fans across the Bay Area.

No wonder Favian Renkel puts it as “Welcome to Sonny Mania.” And if you still consider it lightly, perhaps, another remarkable instance shall open your eyes for good!

Son Heung Min has captivated the MLS!

Son Heung-min has really captivated the MLS! The South Korean superstar made a personal stop for every fan waiting outside the team hotel in San Jose, signing autographs and memorabilia for each one. The last time fans had gathered outside a team hotel in the Bay Area like this was for Inter Miami CF when Lionel Messi visited earlier this season.

Well, this level of excitement was hardly surprising. Since the announcement of his transfer, Son has even outshone the Argentine icon in some metrics. According to Fanatics, he has led all athletes in merchandise sales across sports since LAFC revealed his signing last Wednesday. On top of that, the new LAFC forward has climbed the transfer charts, now ranking second in all-time MLS jersey sales following a team switch—behind only Messi.

No wonder a sellout at Levi’s Stadium is expected for this showdown. Either way, fans are buzzing—share your thoughts in the comments!