Son Heung-min returns to World Cup feeling youthful ahead of South Korea's opener
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 1:00 AM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
South Korea captain Son Heung-min is set to make his fourth World Cup appearance on Thursday against the Czech Republic in Guadalajara. Feeling rejuvenated, Son expressed gratitude towards Mexican fans for their support, even as he anticipates a less friendly atmosphere in his second match against co-host Mexico. The 33-year-old has previously played in World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022, and is determined to guide younger teammates through the competition. Son dismissed speculation that this might be his last World Cup, emphasizing the importance of performance over speculation.
- •Son enters his fourth World Cup feeling like a 'young boy again'.
- •South Korea plays its first match against the Czech Republic on Thursday.
- •Son is grateful for the support from Mexican fans while in Los Angeles.
- •His second match will be against co-host Mexico, reducing local support.
- •South Korea has made 12 World Cup appearances, the most for any Asian country.
- 1:32 AMESPN Soccer — Fourth World Cup still has Son 'feeling like a kid...
- 11:36 PMYahoo Sports — Known as ‘Sonaldo’ in Mexico, South Korea star Son feeling like a ‘young boy’ entering 4th World Cup
"South Korea captain Son Heung-min enters his fourth World Cup feeling like a “young boy again” and expecting some extra support from the Mexican fans. In nearby Mexico, he has been called “Sonaldo,” a reference that some say is to Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo and others to former Brazil striker Ronaldo.
"South Korea captain Son Heung-min says he feels like a "kid" as he enters his fourth World Cup, where he will debut against the Czech Republic in a Group A match in Guadalajara on Thursday.
Sources
External links- ESPN SoccerJun 11, 2026, 1:32 AMFourth World Cup still has Son 'feeling like a kid...
South Korea captain Son Heung-min says he feels like a "kid" as he enters his fourth World Cup, where he will debut against the Czech Republic in a Group A match in Guadalajara on Thursday.
- Yahoo SportsJun 10, 2026, 11:36 PMKnown as ‘Sonaldo’ in Mexico, South Korea star Son feeling like a ‘young boy’ entering 4th World Cup
South Korea captain Son Heung-min enters his fourth World Cup feeling like a “young boy again” and expecting some extra support from the Mexican fans. In nearby Mexico, he has been called “Sonaldo,” a reference that some say is to Portugal great Cristiano Ronaldo and others to former Brazil striker Ronaldo.
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