Seoul: Football fans offered words of encouragement to Son Heung-min as he returned to South Korea in a somber atmosphere. South Korean national team captain Son Heung-min and nine teammates returned to the country this morning to a somber welcome after the team's World Cup elimination in the group stage. Son arrived at Incheon International Airport to a small crowd of fans who cheered, "You did your best" and "Don't hang your heads." He had previously posted an apology to South Korean fans after the team's elimination with a record of one win and two losses. The return of Son Heung-min and his teammates was peaceful, in contrast to the previous day's arrival of former head coach Hong Myung-bo and president of the Football Association Chung Mong-gyu, who were met with shouts of condemnation from hundreds of fans who felt they were responsible for the team's World Cup failure.
According to Thai News Agency, Mexican football fans gathered in Tijuana to send the Iranian national football team home after their elimination from the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The Iranian players and coaching staff greeted fans, signed autographs, and took photos near the team bus. Mexican fans expressed their appreciation for the Iranian national team's visit to Tijuana and praised the players' attitude during their stay. Amir Galenoei, the head coach of the Iranian national team, thanked Mexico and the Mexican people for the warm welcome, stating that Iran and Mexico have made history together.