Jens to Start? A Smokescreen? Checkpoints for the South Africa Match, One Day Before Kickoff [Sports Mug in Mexico ⑥]

'Sports Mug in Mexico' brings you the vivid atmosphere and behind-the-scenes stories from the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.

In our sixth installment, reporters Lee Jung-chan and Pyeon Gwang-hyun report from the "battleground" of Monterrey ahead of the final group stage match against South Africa.

South Korea currently holds a record of one win and one loss, following a victory against the Czech Republic and a defeat to Mexico. A win or a draw against South Africa would secure a spot in the Round of 32 as the group runner-up, but a loss would force the team to rely on the outcome of the Mexico-Czech Republic match.

However, the atmosphere surrounding their opponent, South Africa, is unusual. They have been in "smokescreen mode," minimizing information exposure from their arrival schedule and accommodation to training sessions and player interviews. The secrecy has been so tight that it has frustrated not only the Korean press but their own national media as well.

This also brings to mind South Korea's recent struggles against African teams in the World Cup. There are painful memories of matches deemed "winnable," such as the loss to Algeria in 2014 and the defeat to Ghana in 2022.

Is South Africa really an easy opponent? What changes to the starting lineup is head coach Hong Myung-bo preparing? From the possibility of "secret weapon" Jens making an appearance to variables like the heat in Monterrey and yellow card management, we bring you the latest from the field ahead of the South Africa match on <Sports Mug>.

Reported by Lee Jung-chan and Pyeon Gwang-hyun | Written and Edited by Jinhyeong Park | Video by Hwang In-seok | Produced by Sports News Department
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.