Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyeon Return: Hong Myung-bo’s Squad Holds First Full-Team Training in Mexico

The South Korean national football team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, has completed its first "full-team training" with all 26 players since arriving in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The team held the training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, three days before their second group stage match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup against Mexico.

Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyeon, who had been recovering from injuries, rejoined the team training.

This marked the first time all 26 players have participated in regular training together since the team arrived at their base camp in Guadalajara on June 6.

Including training partners such as Kang Sang-yoon and Yoon Ki-wook, a total of 28 players worked up a sweat together.

Bae Jun-ho suffered an ankle injury during a friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago on May 31, while Kim Tae-hyeon injured his left ankle ligament during training two days before the match against the Czech Republic.

A team official stated, "They are in a condition where they can participate in regular training as long as they avoid strenuous movements," adding, "Both players are at a level where they could potentially play in the second match."

Of the two, Kim Tae-hyeon is showing a faster recovery rate.

The team is taking a more cautious approach with Bae Jun-ho, as his movements involving sudden changes of direction remain unstable.

The return of left-footed center-back Kim Tae-hyeon provides head coach Hong with more diverse options for his three-back defensive line.

With the addition of Bae Jun-ho, who has been in some of the best physical condition among the players at the pre-tournament camp, the team's attacking power on the flanks is expected to be further strengthened.

The training session was open to the media for the first 15 minutes.

The players warmed up with light running and stretching before engaging in passing drills to sharpen their senses.

Following the passing drills, the team moved to a closed session to focus on tactical training for the match against Mexico, concentrating on finding a "winning formula."

Coach Hong’s staff is providing players with position-specific video analysis detailing Mexico's attacking patterns, defensive organization, pressing style, and set-piece characteristics.

A team official said, "We are preparing through video meetings at every training session to ensure the players fully understand the head coach's tactics."

South Korea will face Mexico in their second Group A match at Guadalajara Stadium on June 19 at 10:00 a.m.

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