CORNERFLICK
Hong Myung-bo says South Korea are fully prepared for their World Cup 2026 opener against Czech Republic and that he has now settled on his starting line-up.
Speaking at the official press conference a few hours before kick-off, the South Korea coach said he had been weighing up the XI until the morning but the team was now set. He added that he wants his players to go into the tournament’s opening match with calm minds.
Hong also said the squad had finished its preparation and had now adapted to the altitude at the venue. He said there had been individual differences in how players handled the conditions at first, but that the whole group is now fully adjusted.
The former South Korea boss at the 2014 World Cup said he was proud to be back on the tournament stage and that the experience gained since Brazil had left the squad better prepared this time.
Looking beyond Czech Republic, Hong said Mexico remain a traditional force and pointed out that they also have the advantage of hosting. South Korea, he said, will try to make results unpredictable and aim to progress from a difficult Group A.