Seoul, May 26: Korea Republic captain Son Heungmin has admitted that the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 could be his final appearance on football’s biggest stage as the veteran forward looks to inspire a new generation of players and recreate the magic of the country’s historic 2002 campaign.
The 33-year-old forward is preparing for his fourth World Cup after being named in Korea Republic’s 23-member squad for the tournament to be held across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Son is now one of the most experienced figures in the national side, with only goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu remaining from the squad that featured at the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
Having made his World Cup debut more than a decade ago, Son now finds himself leading a much younger group under head coach Hong Myungbo. Several players in the current squad were still in school when Son first appeared at the global tournament.
Speaking ahead of the competition, the former Tottenham Hotspur star said the World Cup continues to hold special meaning for him and described it as a childhood dream that still motivates him.
Son revealed that his recent move to Major League Soccer club LAFC was influenced partly by his desire to prepare for the World Cup in North America and also to connect more closely with the Korean community in the United States. (Agencies)
