One day from World Cup opener, Son Heung-min says squad's passion had to be reined in

South Korea captain Son Heung-min declared his team fully prepared for its World Cup opener, showing steely resolve on the eve of the squad's first match at the quadrennial tournament.

"The players have been so passionate in their preparation that I actually had to calm them down," Son said at the official press conference Thursday at Guadalajara Stadium in Jalisco, Mexico, the venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group A first-round match. "I hope all that effort blossoms into results — and I think they fully deserve it. The team atmosphere is really good, and you can see it in the players' eyes. I think everyone is well prepared in their own role."

South Korea faces the Czech Republic at the stadium Friday at 11 a.m. Korean Standard Time in the Group A opener. The squad has been sharpening its match fitness and confidence ahead of the contest.

Son has yet to score in a league match for his club LAFC this year, but the national team captain showed a different side in a pre-tournament friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, netting two goals in quick succession late in the first half to break a scoreless deadlock.

"I always think a lot about how I can contribute more to the team," Son said. "Playing in a way that helps the team is my goal."

The Czech Republic, making its first World Cup appearance in 20 years, arrives as a dangerous dark horse. The attack is anchored by Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick and Lyon's Pavel Sulc, both gifted individual talents. With 10 players standing 190 centimeters or taller, the Czechs also pose a formidable aerial threat.

"The Czech Republic is a strong team with many good players who compete in top leagues," Son said. "Every team has strengths, but every team also has weaknesses. We have analyzed those carefully, and I will make sure to show what I can do on the pitch."

This is Son's fourth World Cup. He has come a long way since making his debut as the youngest member of the squad at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, cementing himself as the team's ace at the 2018 edition in Russia, and leading South Korea to the round of 16 with a dramatic victory over Portugal at the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

Now in the twilight of his playing career, Son said his mindset remains unchanged. "Whether it's my first World Cup or my last, my approach is the same — it feels like becoming a child again, like stepping onto a stage you only dream about," he said. "I have never declared this will be my last World Cup. I will make the right choices for my path."