'Feel like a child again': Son relishing World Cup campaign with South Korea

Son speaks to the media
Son speaks to the mediaREUTERS / Paul Childs

South Korea captain Son Heung-min said on Wednesday his teammates were so excited about their World Cup opener against the Czech Republic he could "feel it in their eyes".

Son will lead out his side on Thursday in the tournament's second match after co-hosts Mexico kick-off the showpiece against South Africa.

"The guys are so fired-up for this match, and I actually have to calm them down," Son said at the pre-match press conference in Guadalajara.

"I hope our hard work will bear fruit, and I think we absolutely deserve it. The vibe is tremendous, and I can feel it from the eyes of my teammates.

"Every World Cup match is so important that, as a player, you would stake your life on it. Tomorrow, we will give everything we've got and more."

Former Tottenham star Son, 33, comes into his fourth and possibly his last World Cup after a poor season for his new club, Los Angeles FC, scoring just twice.

He said his excitement for football's global showpiece never dimmed.

"My mindset is similar, whether it's my first or last World Cup. I feel like a child again," he said.

"I have never once said this is my last World Cup. The most important thing is to do my job. People can say whatever they want, and I will choose my path wisely."

South Korea will face Mexico on June 18th before South Africa on June 24th in their final Group A match.

The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11th to July 19th in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament will feature 48 national teams and will be played in 16 modern stadiums.

Match schedule and times | Group tables | Full squads for World Cup | How to watch the World Cup 

Wil jij jouw toestemming voor het tonen van reclames voor weddenschappen intrekken?
Ja, verander instellingen