Mexican media introduced the "world-class stars" who will set foot on its soil through the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup in North and Central America and mentioned Korea and Son Heung-min (33, LAFC) first.
Record of Mexico analyzed the match schedule released by FIFA on the 8th (Korea time) and reported, "The biggest star that can be seen in Mexico is Son Heung-min of the Korea national team."
Korea was placed in group A at the draw held on the 6th. Korea will face one of the host countries, Mexico, as well as South Africa and the winner of UEFA play-off Group D.
In particular, Korea will play all three matches in Mexico. Barring unexpected events, it is highly likely that Son Heung-min, who wears the captain's armband, will play in all of them, drawing the attention of local fans.
Son Heung-min is a Korean player that Mexican soccer fans cannot forget. In the 2018 Russia World Cup, Son Heung-min scored a stoppage-time insurance goal in the second half against Germany in the third group match, leading Korea to a 2-0 victory.
Mexico had effectively little chance of reaching the round of 16 after losing 0-3 to Sweden in the third match. However, because Korea beat Germany, Mexico was able to advance to the round of 16 as the group runner-up.
At the time, Mexican fans chanted "Koreans are brothers. Already Mexican people" right after the match and waved the Taegeukgi. Some fans even flocked to the Korean embassy in Mexico City to express their gratitude.
Korea's first match is at Estadio Akron in Zapopan against the winner of the UEFA play-off, and the second match will also be at the same venue against host Mexico. The final match will be against South Africa at Estadio BBVA, Monterrey's home stadium.
In Guadalajara, Colombia national team players Luis Díaz (28, Bayern Munich), Luis Javier Suárez (28, Sporting CP), John Durán (22, Fenerbahce), and Richard Ríos (25, Benfica) are expected to appear.
In this city, a Spain-versus-Uruguay matchup is also scheduled. Top-tier stars from both teams — Pedri (23), Lamine Yamal (18, both of Barcelona), Darwin Núñez (26, Al Hilal), and Federico Valverde (27, Real Madrid) — will all be present.
In Monterrey there will be a match featuring the Japan national team. Takefusa Kubo (24, Real Sociedad) and Takumi Minamino (30, AS Monaco), among other core Japanese players, will appear before Mexican fans.
Depending on group circumstances, there was also mention that Swedish striker Alexander Isak (26, Liverpool) and Viktor Gyokeres (27, Arsenal), who are active in the Premier League, could play here.
[OSEN]