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Head coach Hong Myung-bo of the South Korean national football team, competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, answers questions alongside Son Heung-min during an official press conference at a stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the 10th (local time), one day before the match against the Czech Republic. / Yonhap News Agency.

On the eve of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, South Korea head coach Hong Myung‑bo expressed confidence about the team’s opening group stage match against the Czech Republic, voicing satisfaction with the squad’s condition and adaptation to high‑altitude training while pledging a strong start on the world stage.

At an official press conference held on June 10 (local time) at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Hong said, “In preparing for this tournament, I don’t think our team has neglected anything. Especially the players’ dedication, their hard work, and the trials we have endured together will show in tomorrow’s match, and hopefully we can achieve a good result.”

South Korea will face the Czech Republic in their Group A opener at 11 a.m. (KST) on June 12 at the same venue. The tournament carries special meaning for Hong, who previously led the national team at the 2014 Brazil World Cup, where Korea suffered elimination in the group stage with one draw and two losses.

Taking on his second World Cup as head coach, Hong said, “It is a great honor. Although I failed in 2014, I believe we have prepared well this time based on the experiences since then. While the outcome cannot be predicted, I have created an atmosphere where the players can enjoy themselves, feel energized, and play with excitement.”

To prepare for Mexico’s high‑altitude environment, the team held a training camp in Salt Lake City, Utah. Guadalajara sits at 1,570 meters above sea level, making stamina management a key factor.

Hong assessed the adaptation positively, saying, “Overall, we are perfectly adjusted now. I don’t know what results this will bring, but I believe the players feel reassured and confident knowing they have adapted to the altitude. The data and condition are very satisfying.”

He confirmed the starting lineup was finalized, noting, “From yesterday afternoon until this morning, I thought a lot about the best eleven. It was all settled before lunch. Tomorrow’s best eleven is decided.”

Asked about Mexico, Korea’s second group opponent, Hong remarked, “Mexico is traditionally a football powerhouse in Latin America. We experienced that in 2002, and I think they have even greater advantages this time.”

Still, his focus remained firmly on the Czech Republic. “Mexico is the second match. For now, we will put everything into tomorrow’s game against the Czech Republic, then prepare for Mexico afterward,” he emphasized.

On the importance of the opening match, Hong said, “The most important thing is how much our players can deliver in the first game. Internally, I judge it very positively.”

He added, “It may be the first time Korea plays on the opening day of the World Cup. The world’s attention will be on us. I hope the players approach it calmly,” urging composed game management.

                                                                                                           Chun Hyun‑bin