Coaching staff solemn, players energetic ahead of Group Stage match

Injured Bae Jun-ho limited to stationary cycling

South Korea's Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in and other players train at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on Thursday, one day before their 2026 World Cup Group Stage opener against the Czech Republic. [Yonhap]
South Korea's Son Heung-min, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in and other players train at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on Thursday, one day before their 2026 World Cup Group Stage opener against the Czech Republic. [Yonhap]

South Korea held its final training session Thursday ahead of the Group Stage opener against the Czech Republic that could define the nation's fortunes at the 2026 World Cup.

The squad, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, trained at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico. The session was open to media for 18 minutes, during which the coaching staff cut a solemn figure while the players moved around the pitch in a lively, upbeat mood.

According to domestic media who observed the open session, the players and coaching staff gathered in a circle near the center circle at the start of training. Hong addressed the group for about four minutes as players stood at ease, listening with focused expressions. The squad then jogged a wide lap around the pitch before warming up under the guidance of the fitness coach. The calls during drills carried noticeably more intensity than usual, and the players continued through the session in an energetic atmosphere alongside training partners and the coaching staff.

Kim Tae-hyun of Kashima Antlers, who injured his ankle in Wednesday's training and is widely expected to miss the entire Group Stage, worked out alone indoors. Bae Jun-ho of Stoke City, who hurt his ankle in a tackle during a pre-tournament friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, rode a stationary bike set up beside the pitch. Bae is expected to be available from the second Group Stage match onward.

South Korea faces the Czech Republic at 11 a.m. Friday at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan. A win would put the team well on their way to reaching the round of 32.

A loss, however, would significantly increase the pressure heading into the second match against host nation Mexico, widely regarded as the group favorite. The only clear path forward is a victory Friday — and history offers a stark warning: South Korea has never advanced past the Group Stage after losing its opening match at a World Cup.

At a news conference held earlier at Guadalajara Stadium, Hong expressed confidence in his side. "I don't think there was any lack of preparation as we got ready for this tournament," he said. "Internally, I'm very optimistic about our chances in the first match."


yjc@heraldcorp.com