Hwang Hee-chan, Coming Off Relegation with Wolves, Hopes to Recreate 2022 Heroics at 2026 World Cup
The South Korean forward spoke ahead of his team's opening match against Czechia on June 11. He recalled the 2022 goal that sent his country into the knockout stage.
Hwang Hee-chan scored a stoppage-time goal assisted by Son Heung-min that helped South Korea defeat Portugal 2-1 in their final Group H match at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The result, combined with Uruguay's 2-0 win over Ghana, lifted South Korea into the round of 16. It was just the second time South Korea reached the knockout phase at an away World Cup.
Hwang Hee-chan spoke to reporters before a training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 8, 2026. "Obviously, if we can have another play like that, it will be great for myself and for our team," he said. "I am working hard for a moment like that.
Hwang Hee-chan is participating in his third straight World Cup in Mexico in 2026. South Korea's first Group A match at the 2026 World Cup is against Czechia, scheduled for June 11, 2026. "Every match is important, but the first match is especially so," Hwang said.
"Physically, I feel good. I am not here to play well just for my own transfer. " Hwang Hee-chan, Kim Min-jae, and Hwang In-beom were all born in 1996. "This is going to be a special World Cup for everyone, not just the three of us," Hwang said of the 1996-born players.
"I think we are the bridge between veterans and younger guys. A training session photo of Hwang Hee-chan listening to a reporter was taken on June 8, 2026, at the same facility.
Hwang is coming off a dismal Premier League season with Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club finished dead last in the Premier League and was relegated to the second division for next season. Hwang scored three goals in 31 matches in all competitions during the season.
Yonhap reported the remarks from Zapopan.
