A few days before one of the most attractive match in Group A of the 2026 World Cup, the South Korean team is experiencing moments of tension off the field. The Asian team is preparing to face the Mexican team, but attention has been diverted to the conflict that has arisen between players, coaching staff and representatives of the South Korean press who are attending the tournament.

The situation escalated after critical comments against Heung-min Son, captain and top figure of the team, were heard during a live broadcast in Mexico, which caused an immediate reaction within the Korean concentration.

The comment about Heung-min Son that sparked the controversy

The differences began after the dissemination of a video corresponding to one of South Korea's first training sessions in Mexican territory.

During the broadcast, South Korean journalists were heard making comments about the military situation of the Tottenham Hotspur footballer, who received a special exemption after winning the gold medal at the 2018 Asian Games.

“He runs as if he were in military service,” was heard. “And he didn't even complete military service,” someone else mentions.

The phrase generated discomfort within the squad and opened a new controversy around the benchmark of Asian football.

The players close ranks with their captain

The reaction of the squad did not take long to arrive. According to reports from the South Korean camp in Guadalajara, the soccer players showed their disagreement and held an exclusive meeting with media representatives from their country.

As a show of support for Heung-min Son, several members of the team decided not to participate in scheduled activities with the press.

In addition, previously agreed upon individual interviews between players and the media were suspended, a measure that further raised the tension between both parties.

The federation intervened in the conflict

The controversy reached such a dimension that the South Korean Football Federation published an official statement to comment on what happened.

In the message, the organization regretted the “inappropriate comments” that caused “great shock and disappointment in the team” and asked journalists to act with greater responsibility towards the footballers and the national team.

The federation also called for unity at a key moment for a team that is competing in its eleventh participation in a World Cup.

The statement disappeared and Son met with journalists

Hours after its publication, the statement issued by the federation was removed from official social networks.

The decision coincided with a meeting between Son Heung-min and press representatives involved in the controversy.

According to testimonies from people present, the journalists apologized to the forward; However, it was not completely clear if the team would lift restrictions placed on certain media outlets.

South Korea focuses on Mexico

While trying to leave the extra-sport noise behind, the South Korean team continues its preparation to face the Mexico team in a match that could be decisive for the aspirations of both teams in the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.

For now, the coaching staff headed by Hong Myung-bo maintains its usual planning and is expected to appear before international media this Wednesday along with one of the summoned footballers, as part of the official activities organized by FIFA.

Heung-min Son, the leader who unites South Korea on the field

Beyond the controversy, the episode has left a clear image within the Asian team: the absolute support of the players and coaching staff for Heung-min Son.

At the threshold of a crucial duel against the Mexican team, the South Korean captain remains the main reference of a team that seeks to leave the controversy behind and focus on what is happening on the field of play.