'Indispensable Ace' Lee Kang-in Sets Firm Resolve: "We Will Advance from Round of 32 to Round of 16, Then to Quarterfinals" [World Cup On-Site]

*This content was translated by AI.

Hong Myung-bo's key playmaker Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) expressed deep regret over the defeat against host nation Mexico, while also thanking fans who traveled far to offer their support, and vowed to bounce back in the remaining matches.

The South Korean national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, suffered a narrow 0-1 loss to Mexico in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup CONCACAF Qualifiers Group A, held on the 19th at 10 a.m. (Korea time) at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.

In an interview with reporters in the mixed zone after the match, Lee Kang-in opened by saying, "First of all, we failed to secure a victory, so it was a very disappointing and difficult day."

Continuing, Lee Kang-in said, "We prepared with our best efforts to win, and the result turned out this way, so as I just mentioned, it is very disappointing. However, since this is a past match that cannot be replayed, we must prepare better for the next match to achieve good results," he stated calmly.

Mexico pressured the South Korean national team with thorough tactical preparation. When reporters remarked that the loss must have been even more regrettable since a draw or better would have been possible, Lee Kang-in responded, "The opponent also prepared very well, and it was a match where we gave our all, so I don't think about it that way separately." He added, "Players, coaching staff, and fans must prepare better for the next match to ensure a good result."

He also addressed the unexpected caution situation in the first four minutes. Lee Kang-in said, "It was an unexpected yellow card, so there were moments where it was difficult to play more actively during the match. I was concerned because receiving another caution would lead to a sending-off, but my play did not become inhibited or affected by that."

He also added, "Losing a match is always disappointing and very difficult. We must strive to have the next match come soon so that we can show better performances and achieve better results."

Even amidst the pain of defeat, Lee Kang-in's gaze was directed higher. Lee Kang-in said, "This match is already over. The South Korean national team must perform better in the remaining matches to definitely advance to the Round of 32." He continued, "And in the Round of 32, we must show better performances to reach the Round of 16, and in the Round of 16, we must perform even better to advance to the Quarterfinals. We must keep advancing like that," revealing a strong sense of responsibility and ambition.

Even amidst the one-sided cheers of Mexican fans, he did not forget his gratitude toward South Korean football fans who supported them from one corner of the away stands. Lee Kang-in said, "Too many South Korean fans traveled all the way to Mexico to cheer for us, which was a huge source of strength. Also, too many fans in South Korea have been cheering for us and loving us so much, which seems to have been a huge source of strength for the players and me." He bowed his head and said, "I sincerely express my gratitude."

He further urged, "Although it is disappointing that we lost the match, the South Korean national team will strive hard to show better performances, so we would be grateful if you could continue to give us more love and attention in the future."

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*This content was translated by AI.