PAJU, South Korea, Nov. 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korean midfielder Son Jun-ho believes he has what it takes to make the 26-man World Cup roster set to be announced Saturday.

If Son is selected by head coach Paulo Bento, the 30-year-old will be on a World Cup team for the first time. And it could also be his last time, which has added to the sense of urgency.

Ill be 34 four years later. Considering my age and my skill level right now, I consider this my last opportunity to play at the World Cup, Son told reporters Wednesday before a training session at the National Football Center in Paju, north of Seoul in Gyeonggi Province. Ive always dreamed of participating in the World Cup before I retire. Id love to make the squad.

Son is one of 27 players at Bentos final training camp before the big tournament, which kicks off on Nov. 20 in Qatar. Bento has called up players from around Asia, with Europe-based players not available since the camp isnt part of the FIFA international calendar. Bento will have one final look at players on the roster bubble when South Korea face Iceland Friday night.

The camp opened on Oct. 28, but Son was the last player to report, having only arrived Tuesday. He has precious little time to get ready for Iceland.

Whenever I came to Paju, I took each day as if itd be my last day for the national team, Son said. Ill give everything I have and make the coach take notice.

Son shouldnt worry too much about his status, though. The 2020 K League 1 MVP, who now plays in China for Shandong Taishan FC, is just the type of smart and versatile midfielder who can be integral to Bentos signature buildup plays. He earned high marks in South Koreas most recent friendly match against Cameroon on Sept. 27.

But Son said he wasnt entirely pleased with his own performance then.

I made some good plays on the attack, but I let opponents get past me a few times on defense. I felt I had so much more work to do on the defensive side of things, Son said. Ive been working really hard the past couple of months in China, because were going to be playing even tougher teams at the World Cup.

Son said he is confident in his passing skills and his ability to cover a lot of ground.

If my strengths can fit into the coachs scheme, I think I should make the World Cup team, Son said. I am confident I can beat anyone for the defensive midfielder position.

(LEAD) (World Cup) BTS member Jungkook to take center stage in opening ceremony

Seller of BTS member Jungkooks lost hat referred to prosecution

BTS Jins The Astronaut sells over 1 mln copies

BTS Jin to release photo book before joining military

(World Cup) BTS member Jungkook to take center stage in opening ceremony

(LEAD) N. Korea reveals leader Kims daughter for first time

Ruling party chief slams list naming Itaewon tragedy victims

(LEAD) Ruling party condemns disclosure of names of Itaewon tragedy victims

PM departs for Bangkok to attend APEC summit

Yoon says barring MBC reporters from presidential plane was unavoidable

(LEAD) N. Korea voices strong regret over U.N. chiefs criticism of its recent ICBM launch

(LEAD) (World Cup) BTS member Jungkook to take center stage in opening ceremony

(LEAD) S. Korean KF-16 jet crashes, pilot safely escapes: Air Force

(2nd LD) S. Korean KF-16 jet crashes, pilot safely escapes: Air Force

2.0 magnitude natural quake hits near N. Koreas nuclear test site: weather agency

NK leader inspects ICBM launch with his daughter

NK leaders family at ICBM launch site

Newly built homes around N. Koreas new greenhouse farm

S. Korean midfielder gearing up for potentially last World Cup

S. Korean midfielder gearing up for potentially last World Cup

Opposition leader accused of holding stake in scandal-ridden land development project

Yoon indefinitely suspends routine Q&As with reporters

BTS wins at American Music Awards for 5th consecutive year

Opposition parties submit plan for parliamentary probe into Itaewon crowd crush

S. Korea puts off air drills after KF-16 crash

S. Koreas new COVID-19 cases at around 23,000 amid virus resurgence worries

Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved.

Enter your feedback here. To help protect your privacy, dont include personal information, like your name or address.