![Soccer commentator Park Ju-ho. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/10/rcv.YNA.20260608.PYH2026060808640001300_P1.jpg)
Former national team player and soccer commentator Park Ju-ho has assessed the strength of Hong Myung-bo's squad ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
Park took part in an online press conference Tuesday in his capacity as a representative of Dortmund Academy Korea, hosted by Germany's Bundesliga. He used the occasion to share his thoughts on the national team's World Cup prospects.
Expressing some reservations about the team's two final tune-up matches, Park said the squad showed mixed signs. "In the first game, the forwards found the net and lifted their form," he said. "But in the second game, they played cautiously because of injuries. There were concerns about the team's overall condition. The fact that foreign media are saying we are a team capable of competing — that is the assessment of those two matches."
Before the tournament, the national team beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 on May 31, then defeated El Salvador 1-0 on June 4 to complete its pre-World Cup preparations.
Park stressed the importance of the opening group-stage match against Czech Republic, saying early momentum would be decisive. "The first game is crucial. Depending on how we play in the early stages, we can change the atmosphere," he said. "All of our opponents have shown they come out strong early on. If we use that against them, they will realize we came well prepared."
On the team's unsettled starting lineup, Park argued the uncertainty could actually work in South Korea's favor. "Not having a fixed best eleven is an advantage," he said. "If you rotate the starters and results go wrong, that would be a concern — but on the flip side, opponents may not have enough information about who will start. That could make it harder for them to prepare."
South Korea, coached by Hong Myung-bo, open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Czech Republic in Group A at Guadalajara Stadium on Friday.
min3654@heraldcorp.com
