South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo speaks at a press conference before his team's Group A match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, June 17. Yonhap
ZAPOPAN, Mexico — During his illustrious playing career, South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo captained the country to an unlikely semifinal berth at the 2002 FIFA World Cup that South Korea co-hosted with Japan. No Asian country has gone that deep into a World Cup since.
More than two decades later, Hong now hopes his current squad will go beyond the final four this time.
Having defeated Czechia 2-1 in their first Group A match of this year's tournament, South Korea will take on co-host Mexico for the second match at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, western Mexico, at 7 p.m. Thursday (local time), or 10 a.m. Friday (South Korean time). The winner will be all but assured of a spot in the knockout phase.
"We beat Czechia because our players didn't give up until the end, and all did their part really well. Their confidence is running high, and I hope it shows on the pitch tomorrow," Hong said at his prematch press conference at Estadio Guadalajara. "We reached the semifinals in 2002, and I hope the players here will break that record."
