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Hong Myung-bo hints at lineup changes for South Africa qualifier, vows victory

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo anticipates changes to the starting lineup for their crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
  • Despite needing only a draw to advance, Hong emphasized the team's determination to win, warning against complacency against a challenging opponent.
  • The team is also adapting to the extreme heat in Monterrey, a significant environmental challenge compared to their previous location.

South Korea's national football team faces a pivotal moment in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign as they prepare to play South Africa. Coach Hong Myung-bo acknowledged that the team is not taking the match lightly, even though a draw would secure their advancement to the next round. He indicated that two to three positions in the starting lineup might see changes for this critical encounter.

There will be changes in about two or three positions.

— Hong Myung-boResponding to a question about potential changes to the starting lineup for the match against South Africa.

"The most important match awaits Korea," Hong stated during a press conference. He noted that while the team's performance against Mexico was not poor, they failed to secure a positive result. The atmosphere within the squad is somewhat subdued, but preparations have been thorough, with players mentally and physically recovered. Hong stressed that relying on a draw would be a dangerous approach against a formidable South African side.

The most important match awaits Korea.

— Hong Myung-boDescribing the significance of the upcoming game against South Africa.

"We will prepare for the game with the mindset of not giving up and definitely winning," Hong declared. The team is also grappling with the harsh environmental conditions in Monterrey, notorious for its extreme heat, a stark contrast to the cooler climate of Guadalajara. Hong recognized the difficulty of full adaptation but assured that the team had anticipated and prepared for the high temperatures, similar to how they prepared for altitude adjustments.

We will prepare for the game with the mindset of not giving up and definitely winning.

— Hong Myung-boStating the team's aggressive approach despite needing only a draw to qualify.

Reflecting on his players, Hong expressed confidence, stating that their performances in the previous matches were satisfactory. He urged them to play with self-belief and mutual trust in this final group game. Hong also extended his gratitude to the Mexican fans for their passionate support, calling it a "great gift" that makes them feel at home on the field, especially given the strong relationship between Korea and Mexico.

It is a great gift to be able to play with a feeling like we are on our home ground.

— Hong Myung-boExpressing gratitude for the support of Mexican fans.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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