In South Korea they describe Mexico as a “power”
Hong Myung-bo, South Korea's coach, considers El Tri to be a powerhouse in football. Korea recognizes audience advantage
The South Korean team is part of Group A of the 2026 World Cup. The Asian team shares a sector with the teams of Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic. South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo described Mexico as a soccer power.
The experienced Korean coach offered his impressions of the group. Hong Myung-bo believes that El Tri is a team with a tradition in the World Cups and that the home field factor will represent an additional advantage for the Mexican team. This is an advantage Korea had in the 2002 World Cup.
"Mexico is a power, in addition, it is one of the host countries, they have that advantage, it is something that we already experienced in 2002 in Korea, this is something that benefits, the game against them will be our second game. What we have to do is get a good result, not anticipate and hope to finish in the first two places to advance," said the coach.
The support of the fans and being a host is a factor to take into consideration. In the 2002 Korea-Japan World Cup, the South Korean team went through the group stage undefeated with a victory against Portugal. The Asians beat Italy and Spain in the knockout phase, but lost in the semifinals against Germany.
To clean up your image
Hong Myung-bo led South Korea in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. In that World Cup, the Asian team left in the first round. South Korea tied the first day 1-1 against Russia, then fell 2-4 against Algeria and were defeated again on the last day 1-0 against Belgium.
"It is my second World Cup as a coach and it is an honor, in 2014 we had setbacks, but today we have experience for this tournament. You can never know what results there will be," added Hong.