Son Heung-min, the captain of the South Korean national football team, expressed his deep disappointment following the team's early exit from the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Son reflected on the emotional toll of the tournament and the impact it has had on both himself and the fans.

Reflections on the Early Exit

On June 30, Son Heung-min addressed the situation, stating, "I don't know where to start. I cannot pretend not to know, nor do I want to avoid reality," highlighting his struggle to come to terms with the team's performance. South Korea finished third in Group A, managing only one win against two losses, which ultimately led to their failure to advance.

In his first comments since the conclusion of the tournament, Son offered an apology to the South Korean public and football fans, saying, "As someone who loves football myself, I imagine that if I had watched this match, I would have felt truly regretful, frustrated, and distressed." He acknowledged the emotional turmoil that fans were experiencing, emphasizing that he felt their disappointment deeply.

A Message of Responsibility and Hope

Son, who has now participated in four World Cups, conveyed a sense of heartbreak over the missed opportunity, stating, "This tournament was also the most precious to me, and it feels as though the 'stage of a child's dream,' which I have always spoken of, has crumbled." He recognized the sacrifices made by many to reach this stage and expressed his regret for not being able to repay the support received from fans. "I am truly so sorry," he added, thanking those who stood by the team throughout the tournament.

Despite the disappointment, Son vowed to continue striving for the fans, saying, "Rather than expressing this only in words, I will do my best from my position again to turn the hearts of the people of South Korea and football fans." His commitment to the team and its supporters remains steadfast as he looks to the future.