Could Korea soccer GOAT Son Heung-min (34, LAFC) be playing in his final World Cup.
The Korea national team led by coach Hong Myung-bo will compete in Group A of the 2026 CONCACAF World Cup against host Mexico, South Africa, and the winner of European qualifying Group D.
Korea drew host Mexico from pot 1, avoiding the European heavyweights. Korea's first World Cup opponent will be one of Denmark, North Macedonia, the Czech Republic or Ireland. Korea received a "sweet" draw that avoids superpowers like Argentina and France.
Korea will play its opening group match on June 12, 2026, at 11 a.m. (Korea time) at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, against the winner of European playoff path D.
Korea will play its second match against host Mexico at the same venue on the 19th at 10 a.m. The match against Mexico, with home-field advantage, is the most important game to gauge Korea's performance. If Korea loses to Mexico and drops to second in the group, even if it advances to the round of 32 it would have to play in Los Angeles. If Korea tops the group, the round of 32 would also be played in Mexico, effectively making it a "Mexico World Cup."
There is a high likelihood this will be Son Heung-min's last World Cup. Son will be 34 in 2026. Having first worn the Taegeuk mark in his late teens, Son has become a veteran preparing for retirement. Son, who played under coach Hong Myung-bo at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, will again pair with Hong at what could be his final World Cup.
Blond-haired Son Heung-min broke into tears after scoring against Algeria at the 2014 Russia World Cup. Son scored the insurance goal against Germany at the 2018 Brazil World Cup. He dramatically carried Korea into the round of 16 at the 2022 Qatar World Cup while wearing a facial mask. Mexico is likely to be Son's last dance.
On the 1st, Chairman Chung Mong-gyu delivered a New Year's address outlining his plans and tasks for Korean soccer in 2026. Chung promised to provide the best support for the national team so it can achieve good results at the CONCACAF World Cup.
Chung said, "It is the year of the World Cup that comes every four years. Last year, the men's national team continued Asia's only record of 11 consecutive World Cup finals appearances by finishing the final qualifying round undefeated. Based on the playing philosophy of Korean soccer — 'fast, brave and proactive' — we will strive to bring joy to the nation at the CONCACAF World Cup opening this June," he promised.
But recent soccer fans' avoidance of A matches is not due to a lack of support for the national team. They say the ungraceful process of appointing coach Hong Myung-bo does not align with the fair principles, clean procedures and reform plans for Korean soccer that Chung Mong-gyu proclaimed.
A general distrust of Korean soccer has ultimately manifested as a boycott of attending A matches in person. Fans responded negatively, saying, "This is the first World Cup I've had such low expectations for," "It's Son Heung-min's last World Cup; should we even cheer?" and "I want to cheer when I see the players, but not when I see the Korea Football Association."
[OSEN]