South Korea's national team trained behind closed doors on Tuesday as head coach Hong Myung-bo's side intensified preparations for its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Taeguk Warriors held a private training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Guadalajara, Mexico, ahead of Thursday's Group A encounter against the Czech Republic at Estadio Guadalajara. Kick-off is scheduled for 11 a.m. KST on June 12.
According to the Korea Football Association (KFA), the squad trained for approximately 90 minutes beginning at 11 a.m. local time. The session included warm-up drills, coordination exercises, rondos, attacking and defensive tactical work, as well as extensive set-piece training.
Particular emphasis was placed on set pieces, an area expected to be crucial against a physically imposing Czech side renowned for its aerial strength.
South Korea's squad is also nearing full fitness. All players took part in training except Bae Jun-ho, who suffered a left ankle injury following a heavy challenge during the friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on May 31. If no further issues arise, Hong is expected to have his strongest available lineup for the World Cup opener.
Security around the team's training base remained extremely tight. Police and military personnel have accompanied and protected the South Korean delegation since its arrival in Guadalajara, with patrol vehicles regularly monitoring the area surrounding the training complex.
More than 30 security personnel were stationed near the main entrance used by the team bus, while the total number of police officers and soldiers around the facility was estimated to exceed 70.
Although security forces generally did not prevent people from taking photos near the training ground, the heavy presence of armed personnel and extensive barbed-wire fencing surrounding the complex created an imposing atmosphere.
Local businessman True de Aleres, who operates a luxury retail store nearby, said he had never seen such a large deployment of military and police personnel in the area. According to him, security measures have noticeably increased over the past month as Guadalajara prepares to host World Cup matches.
He added that the heightened police presence throughout the city is also linked to the tournament.
A handful of Mexican and international supporters visited the training ground hoping to obtain autographs or photographs with South Korean players. However, with the session closed to the public, fans were forced to leave disappointed.
One young Mexican supporter arrived with his mother carrying a South Korean flag and enthusiastically waved it as the team departed the facility.
South Korea will hold its official pre-match press conference and training session on June 11. The team will also get its first opportunity to inspect the pitch at Estadio Guadalajara.
However, FIFA regulations mean the official training session itself will take place at a training facility rather than inside the stadium.
South Korea has been using Chivas Verde Valle, the training base of CD Guadalajara, throughout its stay in Mexico. Since Guadalajara also plays its home matches at Estadio Guadalajara, the training pitches closely mirror the conditions found inside the stadium.
As a result, South Korea may hold a slight advantage over the Czech Republic not only in terms of adapting to Guadalajara's altitude, but also in becoming familiar with the playing surface ahead of the crucial opening match.
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