Son Heung-min Apologizes After South Korea's Early World Cup Exit

Posted : 30 June 2026

South Korea captain Son Heung-min has issued a heartfelt apology to supporters following the national team's disappointing exit from the FIFA World Cup, while urging fans to continue backing the players with encouragement rather than criticism.

South Korea began the tournament with a victory over Mexico but failed to build on that positive start. Consecutive defeats in their remaining group matches left them third in Group A, with a 1-0 loss to South Africa in their final fixture proving decisive. A draw would have been enough to secure a place in the knockout rounds, but the result left the Taeguk Warriors outside the qualification spots for the best third-placed teams.

Son, who now plays for Major League Soccer side LAFC after leaving Tottenham Hotspur last year, started the crucial match on the bench. The 33-year-old was introduced in the second half but could not prevent defeat or end his wait for a goal at the 2026 World Cup. He remains on 56 goals for the national team.

The disappointing campaign has already brought significant consequences. Head coach Hong Myung-bo stepped down from his position on Sunday, while South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has called for an investigation into the team's performance at the tournament.

In a message shared on Instagram, Son admitted he was struggling to come to terms with the outcome and said he could not ignore the pain of the elimination. He apologized to the Korean people and to football supporters, acknowledging that the team had fallen short of expectations.

The veteran forward described the World Cup as the most important competition of his career, saying the dream he had carried since childhood had been shattered. He added that accepting the disappointment has been extremely difficult and that he feels a deep sense of responsibility toward everyone who supported the team throughout the journey.

Son also reflected on the sacrifices made by players, staff, and fans to reach the tournament, expressing regret that he was unable to reward their faith with a successful campaign.

Despite the setback, South Korea's all-time men's appearance leader pledged to continue giving everything for the national team. He vowed to work tirelessly to restore the pride of Korean football and said he would "run to death" to bring joy back to supporters.

The captain concluded his message with a plea for unity, asking fans to stand behind the players during a difficult period. Rather than directing criticism toward the squad, Son appealed for understanding and encouragement as the team looks to recover and rebuild for future competitions.

Son Heung-min Apologizes After South Korea's Early World Cup Exit

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