South Korea arrives in Guadalajara for 2026 World Cup preparations

The South Korean national soccer team has arrived in Guadalajara, Mexico, to begin their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Greeted with mariachi music and enthusiastic fans at the airport, the team received traditional charro hats. A security detail, including military and police, escorted their transport to the hotel.

Fans, many wearing team colors and carrying memorabilia, gathered at the hotel hoping for autographs from stars like captain Son Heung-min, Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae, and PSG's Lee Kang-in. However, the players, fatigued from their journey, did not interact with the crowd.

South Korea, ranked 25th globally, is considered a favorite in Group A alongside co-host Mexico. They will train at the Verde Valle sports center, with their first public practice scheduled for Saturday. The team's objective is to surpass their best World Cup performance, a fourth-place finish in 2002 when they co-hosted with Japan. They are set to play Czech Republic on June 11, Mexico on June 18, and South Africa on June 24.