FIFA World Cup Tickets: FIFA 2026 widely expected to be the last dance for captain Son Heung-min

 FIFA World Cup Tickets: Korea Republic sealed its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday with a 2-0 victory over Iraq, securing an 11th straight appearance at football’s grandest stage. The result, achieved at Basra International Stadium in southern Iraq, was highlighted by goals from substitutes Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu, who capitalized on second-half momentum after Iraq went down to 10 men.

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For Korea, the qualification adds another chapter to its long history on the global stage, but the spotlight inevitably falls on captain Son Heung-min, with the upcoming tournament widely expected to be his farewell to the World Cup stage.

The opening half was a tense contest, with both sides struggling to create clear chances. Iraq’s hopes took a serious blow when forward Ali Al-Hamadi was shown a red card for a high-footed challenge against defender Cho Yu-min. The dismissal gave the Taegeuk Warriors the numerical advantage, and from that moment, the flow of the game shifted heavily in their favor.

South Korea’s breakthrough came in the 63rd minute, when midfielder Lee Kang-in threaded a perfectly timed pass to Kim Jin-gyu, who slotted home to give his side the lead. Building on that momentum, the visitors doubled their advantage through Oh Hyeon-gyu, who met a cross from Jeon Jin-woo to finish clinically.

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The pair of substitutes proved decisive, turning what had been an even battle into a comfortable win for the Koreans. The scoreline reflected South Korea’s dominance. Even without key players, the visitors recorded 76 percent possession, registered seven attempts on goal compared to Iraq’s two, and spent much of the second half pressing their opponents deep into their own half.

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Head coach Hong Myung-bo had left Son Heung-min out of the squad as the Tottenham Hotspur star continues his recovery from injury. Bayern Munich’s defensive stalwart Kim Min-jae, a cornerstone of the Korean backline, was also unavailable. Yet despite missing two of their biggest names, the team showcased its depth and resilience, particularly with young talents stepping up in crucial moments.

The victory ensured South Korea topped Group B with five wins and four draws, three points ahead of Jordan and seven in front of Iraq with one match still to be played. As only the top two nations from each group automatically qualify, the result guaranteed South Korea’s ticket to the tournament regardless of how the final fixture unfolds.

Football World Cup Tickets: Son Heung-min Hints at Farewell

For a nation that has built its footballing identity around consistency and resilience, the qualification continues a remarkable streak that began in 1986. Attention now turns toward Son Heung-min, who has been the face of Korean football for more than a decade. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be his last.

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Son will be 34 at the time of the tournament and would be nearing 38 by the following edition in 2030, making it highly unlikely he will extend his international career that far. Hints of his retirement from the World Cup stage have already surfaced. In a recent appearance on the YouTube channel Shoot for Love, Son was asked if he would take part in two more World Cups.

With a wry smile, he gave a simple but telling answer: No, sorry. The response fueled speculation that 2026 will serve as his final bow in the competition. Son’s journey with the national team has been filled with both personal and collective milestones.

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Since being named captain in 2018, he has carried the responsibility of leading Korea through highs and lows, balancing his club duties with Tottenham Hotspur with the weight of expectation from a passionate footballing nation.

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His club career recently reached new heights when he guided Spurs to their first major European trophy, lifting the UEFA Europa League title in 2025. On the international front, however, his crowning achievement remains Korea’s 2018 World Cup campaign, where his goals against Germany helped seal one of the most memorable upsets in tournament history.

For South Korea as a whole, the World Cup has often been a stage of endurance and occasional brilliance. The team has advanced beyond the group stage three times, with the unforgettable semifinal run on home soil in 2002 still its greatest accomplishment.

While its knockout-stage appearances since then have been limited, Korea has consistently proven itself as one of Asia’s most formidable teams. This latest qualification only strengthens that reputation, with the team continuing to set the standard for consistency in the region.

No other Asian nation has matched Korea’s longevity at the tournament. The country has now secured appearances in 11 World Cups, including 10 consecutively since the mid-1980s. Its closest regional rival, Japan, trails behind with eight appearances but has also booked its place for 2026.

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Beyond Asia, the only nation with a longer unbroken run is Brazil, which has competed in every edition of the tournament since its inception in 1930, though it still has not mathematically guaranteed its spot for 2026. For coach Hong Myung-bo, who himself played a key role in the 2002 World Cup as captain, this campaign has demonstrated that Korea can thrive even when star players are absent.

Emerging talents like Lee Kang-in, Kim Jin-gyu, and Oh Hyeon-gyu are beginning to establish themselves as dependable figures capable of carrying the team forward. With the next generation blending into a squad that still boasts experienced leaders, the foundations are in place for Korea to be competitive on the global stage.

The qualification is more than just a routine achievement; it represents a continuation of Korea’s football identity. For fans, however, the narrative will center around Son Heung-min and what could be his final chance to leave a lasting imprint on the World Cup.

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His leadership, talent, and passion have defined an era of Korean football. In North America next summer, he will have one more opportunity to inspire his nation and perhaps push the Taegeuk Warriors beyond their traditional limits.

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FAQs

1. When did South Korea qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026?

South Korea secured its spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Thursday after a 2-0 victory over Iraq, marking its 11th consecutive appearance at the tournament.

2. Will the 2026 World Cup be Son Heung-min’s last?

Yes, it is widely expected that the 2026 tournament will be Son Heung-min’s final World Cup appearance, as he indicated he will not participate in future editions.

3. Who scored for South Korea in the decisive match against Iraq?

Substitutes Kim Jin-gyu and Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the goals that sealed South Korea’s 2-0 victory over Iraq in the qualifying match.

4. How has South Korea performed historically in the World Cup?

South Korea has appeared in 11 World Cups, advancing beyond the group stage three times, including a memorable semifinal run on home soil in 2002.

5. Where can fans buy Football World Cup 2026 tickets?

Fans can buy official and premium FIFA World Cup 2026 Tickets at worldwideticketsandhospitality.com, offering a secure and seamless booking experience.