Son Heung‑min vows to stay with South Korea after World Cup exit

South Korea were eliminated in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup after a 1‑0 loss to South Africa. Captain Son Heung‑min returned to Incheon Airport to a welcoming crowd and posted an emotional Instagram message, apologising to fans and pledging, “I will do my best in my position again to win the hearts of the Korean people and football fans,” adding he would “run to death to give you pleasure again.” The 34‑year‑old said the tournament felt like a “collapsed child’s dream stage” but insisted he is not retiring from international duty, leaving his possible participation in the 2030 World Cup uncertain.

A lawmaker later alleged that Son and midfielder Lee Jae‑sung were left out of the starting lineup for the decisive match because they wanted to continue a media interview boycott that began after a leaked broadcast mocked Son over his military‑service exemption. The dispute, reported via a whistle‑blower to the Korea Football Association, allegedly led coach Hong Myung‑bo to bench both players. The KFA denied the issue affected selection, noting Lee missed the game due to doping‑control duties.