Son Heung-min has been named among the legends expected to showcase their talents in what could be their final World Cup appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Why it matters: The inclusion of Son in the "Last Dance" lineup highlights his status as one of football's elite players as he prepares for the tournament in North America.
Football content outlet Mad Football revealed the "Last Dance Legends" list on May 28, featuring iconic players like Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Lionel Messi alongside Son.
At 34 years old, Son is currently playing for LAFC and is seen as a key figure in South Korea's national team.
Many players on this list are likely concluding their World Cup journeys, making this tournament particularly poignant.
Driving the news: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and will feature a larger pool of teams than ever before.
Son stated that this World Cup might be his last and expressed a desire for fans to support the team during their campaign.
He emphasized the importance of unity within the team for achieving success, particularly aiming for a spot in the knockout stages.
South Korea's national team, coached by Hong Myung-bo, is currently ranked 22nd in FIFA standings as of November 2025.
State of play: South Korea's group stage matches will be held in Mexico, where they will face formidable opponents.
The South Korean team has been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic.
Mexico, as the host nation, presents a unique challenge with a strong home advantage.
South Korea aims to secure victories against South Africa and the Czech Republic to advance from the group.
The big picture: The upcoming tournament marks a potential farewell for several football icons.
Son, along with contemporaries like Neymar and Ronaldo, could be participating in their final World Cup, raising the stakes for their performances.
Messi, who led Argentina to victory in 2022, is also facing questions about his fitness ahead of the tournament.
Ronaldo, now 41, continues to chase his elusive World Cup title, having competed in five previous tournaments.
What they're saying: Players have shared their thoughts on this being a potential last hurrah.
In a recent interview with FIFA, Son remarked, "This could be my last World Cup. I hope to create wonderful memories with the national team. Please cheer for us!"
He expressed confidence that with fan support, the team could perform fearlessly on the world stage.
Ronaldo is also focused on making history, aiming to become the first player to score in six consecutive World Cups.
By the numbers: The tournament will see a record number of teams competing.
The 2026 World Cup will expand from 32 to 48 teams, increasing the number of matches and potential scoring opportunities.
Messi needs just three more goals to equal Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.
Ronaldo has scored in each of his previous five World Cups, making him a player to watch in this edition.
What's next: As the tournament approaches, preparations intensify for all teams involved.
Leading up to the World Cup, Son and his teammates will focus on training camps to build synergy and tactical awareness.
The South Korean squad will aim to adapt quickly to the high-altitude conditions they will encounter in Mexico.
Fans eagerly await the kickoff of the tournament, which will likely be a memorable event for football lovers worldwide.