Zapopan: With South Korea about to embark on their journey at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, captain Son Heung-min said Wednesday he and his teammates will be ready to give their everything and more in all the matches. Son will lead South Korea against Czechia in the teams' first Group A match at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, at 8 p.m. Thursday (local time), or 11 a.m. Friday (South Korean time).
According to Yonhap News Agency, Son expressed the intense motivation within the team, noting that the players are extremely enthusiastic. "The guys are so fired up for this match, and I actually have to calm them down," Son said at the prematch presser at the match venue. He emphasized the importance of their efforts bearing fruit and highlighted the determination visible in his teammates' eyes. Son, at 33, is participating in what might be his final World Cup, a journey that began in 2014 when he scored his first World Cup goal at 21.
Son's journey in the World Cup has been notable, with a standout performance in 2018 when South Korea defeated defending champions Germany, and in 2022, assisting the crucial goal against Portugal. Reflecting on past experiences, Son shared his excitement for the upcoming tournament and maintained that his mindset remains unchanged regardless of whether it's his first or potentially last World Cup.
Despite a challenging season with Los Angeles Football Club, where he hadn't scored in 13 matches, Son reassured fans by scoring twice in a recent 5-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. He emphasized his focus on contributing to the team and expressed confidence in South Korea's chances against Czechia, acknowledging their strengths while remaining optimistic.
Son concluded by sharing his strategy of leveraging his experience and analyzing the opposition to make impactful plays, underscoring his commitment to leading South Korea effectively in the World Cup.