"Couldn't witness the birth of my child because of the World Cup," Kim Seung-gyu confesses his regret → Unyielding determination burns bright "I must do it for my wife and daughter" [：]

*This content was translated by AI.

For veteran goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu (36, FC Tokyo), who has experienced every kind of hardship, this World Cup is more meaningful than ever. Having devoted himself to preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, he is determined to show his fighting spirit in this tournament to make up for his regret as a father who could not be present at the birth of his first daughter, born just two years after his marriage.

The South Korean national football team held its official training session on the morning of the 7th (local time) at Chivas Verde Valle, the base camp training ground in Guadalajara, Mexico.

For Kim Seung-gyu, the World Cup is a tournament held during the most significant joyous occasion of his life. His wife, model Kim Jin-kyung, announced on the 4th, just three days prior, via her personal social networking service (SNS), that she had given birth to a daughter.

However, due to the team schedule and preparations for the World Cup finals, he was unable to be by his newborn daughter's side at the moment of her birth. After the pre-camp in Salt Lake City, USA, he has been focusing on World Cup preparations in Guadalajara, Mexico, without being able to stay by his wife's side.

When asked by reporters about his daughter's appearance, Kim Seung-gyu smiled while simultaneously expressing both gratitude and regret. He said, "Deep down, I fervently hoped she wouldn't look exactly like me," and added, "Fortunately, it seems she doesn't look exactly like me. I think it's truly fortunate that her face is a perfect, beautiful blend of half my features and half my wife's," showing a father's smile.

At the same time, Kim Seung-gyu stated, "I could not be by my daughter's side at the moment of her birth. I feel deeply sorry to my wife and daughter," and pledged, "I will definitely achieve good results and return, so that this World Cup can become the best gift for our daughter and wife."

It is no wonder, as Kim Seung-gyu has burned with determination for this tournament, which could be his last World Cup. Just two years ago, during the 2024 Asian Cup, Kim Seung-gyu suffered a cruciate ligament injury and was forced to withdraw midway, facing the greatest crisis of his career.

Kim Seung-gyu, who had even worried about his playing career, said, "I had a major injury before the World Cup. Even a year ago, I couldn't even imagine making it to the World Cup. It was a time when I deeply pondered, 'Will I be able to play football again?'" He continued, "Since this is a gift-like opportunity that came after enduring difficult times, I want to conclude this tournament with better results than my previous three World Cups. I approach each one with the resolve that this is truly my last World Cup in my life," revealing his earnest desire.

Kim Seung-gyu made his World Cup debut in the third group stage match against Belgium at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, and now he is approaching his fourth World Cup. Regarding the competition for the starting position with Cho Hyun-woo (Ulsan HD) and Song Beom-geun (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors), whom he has competed against for a long time, he said, "Hyun-woo and Beom-geun are both in excellent condition ahead of the World Cup. Since the last training camp, we have been in a continuous state of good competition, and thanks to that, we have become a relationship where we help each other develop." He added, "Now, all three of us are maintaining the best physical condition, so no matter who among us plays in the match, we can all contribute significantly to the team," showing strong confidence.

He has also accounted for the high-altitude play of their Group Stage opener opponent, Czechia, and the high-altitude climate variable in Guadalajara. Kim Seung-gyu said, "Because of the high-altitude characteristic, shooting practice is definitely different. Even shots that seem to be blocked can be sucked into the goal," and noted, "I will focus intensely in every training session to quickly develop a sense of this special ball trajectory and speed."

Regarding Czechia, the opponent in the first match, whose average height reaches 187cm, he said, "Czechia definitely attempts many left and right crosses and has many tall players in the front. Against such a team, a goalkeeper cannot simply protect the goal line to stop them." He further warned, "My role is to either boldly come out of the box to handle aerial balls decisively or actively choose positions to assist defenders in duels, fighting actively from behind."

He has not forgotten his gratitude toward captain Son Heung-min (LAFC), with whom he has shared the glories and hardships of the national team for a long time. Earlier, when Son Heung-min congratulated Kim Seung-gyu on his fourth World Cup through a broadcast interview, he responded with a smile, saying, "No one knows if this World Cup will be Son Heung-min's last," and added, "Heung-min is a grateful teammate who has played in the World Cup with me for a long time and has always been a tremendous source of strength for me. As captain, he shoulders a heavier sense of responsibility and burden than anyone else when entering the World Cup, and I will work hard to support him from behind, helping to lighten his load and be a source of strength. I want to make this tournament the most memorable and best World Cup of my football career."

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*This content was translated by AI.