Hong Myung-bo's Squad Returns to Training at Base Camp Amid Tense Wait

The South Korean national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, has returned to its base camp to recover both physically and mentally after failing to secure an automatic spot in the Round of 32 at the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, leaving their fate in the hands of others.

The team held a recovery training session at the Chivas Verde Valle training ground in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico.

The national team finished third in Group A (3 points) after a 1-0 loss to South Africa in their final group stage match at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico yesterday (June 25), leaving their advancement to the Round of 32 uncertain.

A draw would have guaranteed them second place in the group and a spot in the knockout stage. However, after suffering an unexpected defeat to South Africa—a team considered to be of lower objective strength—they must now hope to finish among the top eight third-placed teams out of all groups to advance.

With the team reeling from the loss and the failure to secure an automatic berth, as well as a lackluster performance on the pitch, the atmosphere was somber as they returned to their base camp to begin the wait.

After arriving late last night via a chartered flight following the match, the players headed to the pitch to warm up with light running before splitting into recovery and training groups.

During the first 30 minutes of the session, which was open to the media, players who saw significant playing time against South Africa performed separate recovery exercises indoors, including cycling. Meanwhile, the players on the pitch engaged in ball-handling drills and short-passing exercises.

As they stepped onto the pitch, the players generally kept their heads down and maintained stern expressions, moving with heavy steps. However, as they loosened up, occasional laughter and applause could be heard, and a sense of vitality began to return.

If Hong Myung-bo’s squad advances to the Round of 32, they will face the winner of Group E, Germany, in Boston, USA, on June 30, or the winner of Group G, which has yet to be determined, in Seattle, USA, on July 2.

Speaking to reporters at the training ground today, head coach Hong said, "We don't know if we will be able to play the next match, but we must spend the next few days here with the mindset of preparing well."

Hong added, "The players will likely be tired both mentally and physically until tomorrow. Playing a match in the World Cup consumes a tremendous amount of energy," and stated, "Today and tomorrow, the players and I will focus on recovery and prepare for what comes next."

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.