South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu has some making up to do after missing the birth of his first child because he is preparing for his fourth World Cup.
The 35-year-old stopper is hoping to add to his 86 caps when South Korea face the Czech Republic on Thursday's opening day of the tournament in North America.
But it has come at a personal price, missing the birth of his daughter.
"I am really sorry that I couldn't be with my wife for the birth," the veteran told reporters in Mexico, where the Koreans play in the group stage.
🇰🇷🧤 “Nació mi hija, pero no he podido estar a su lado. Me siento muy culpable con mi esposa y con mi hija. Por eso, quiero conseguir un buen resultado en este Mundial y volver a Corea con un buen regalo para ellas”: Kim Seung-Gyu
— Citlalli Medina (@CMedinaCANCHA) June 7, 2026
📲 @mural: https://t.co/VHGbSL58Ph pic.twitter.com/MwuaWsOxgf
"I want to bring home good results from here as my presents."
Kim, who plays in Japan for FC Tokyo, is likely to get the nod ahead of Jo Hyeon-woo as coach Hong Myung-bo's first choice in goal, Yonhap News Agency said.
💔 Un testimonio que emociona
— Estadio Deportes (@EstadioDxts) June 7, 2026
Kim Seung-gyu recuerda que hace apenas un año no sabía si volvería a jugar al fútbol tras una lesión grave. Hoy, lo vive como un “regalo” por haber superado ese momento tan duro.
“Quiero terminar este Mundial con mejores resultados que en los tres… pic.twitter.com/UYsal3ldGE
"I've played at every World Cup thinking it could be my last," Yonhap quoted Kim as saying.
"Given my age now, this one really does feel like my final one."
South Korea also play South Africa and co-hosts Mexico in Group A.
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