Son Heung-Min approaches his fourth FIFA World Cup at 33, raising questions about whether 2026 marks his final appearance on football's biggest stage. The South Korea captain has evolved from a promising youngster in 2014 to his nation's undisputed talisman, carrying the weight of expectations through three previous tournaments.

His 2018 campaign delivered the defining moment of his international career: a spectacular 60-yard run and finish against Germany in injury time that nearly propelled South Korea to the knockout round. Though they fell short, Son's two goals across three matches established him as a world-class performer capable of deciding games against elite opposition.

The 2022 World Cup saw Son wearing a protective mask after facial fractures, yet he still orchestrated South Korea's advancement with a crucial assist against Portugal in injury time. Now playing for LAFC in MLS, the veteran forward finds himself in the autumn of his career while teammates like Kim Min-Jae and Lee Kang-In provide emerging support.

South Korea's Group A draw against Czechia, Mexico and South Africa offers genuine hope for progression. Regardless of what lies ahead, Son deserves one final World Cup moment to cap a remarkable international career that transformed him from prospect to legend.