South Korea hones set-piece tactics for Mexico clash

The South Korean national football team is meticulously preparing for their pivotal 2026 World Cup qualifier against Mexico, focusing on specialized tactics in a closed-door training session. Coach Hong Myung-bo led his squad in a rigorous 90-minute practice at the Chivas Verde Valle training facility in Zapopan, Jalisco, two days before the crucial Group A encounter.

This session marked the team's final opportunity for uninterrupted tactical work before facing Mexico, as the day before the match is reserved for official press conferences. The team's approach mirrors their preparation for the first match against the Czech Republic, where they also held a private training session two days prior.

All 28 players, including recovering forward Bae Jun-ho and defender Kim Tae-hyeon, participated fully. The training involved coordination drills and extensive tactical work specifically designed for the Mexican opponent. A significant portion of the session was dedicated to set-piece plays, both offensive and defensive, a critical area after conceding an early goal from a long throw-in against the Czech Republic.

"We refined our offensive and defensive tactics for the Mexico match, conducting drills at high, middle, and low blocks," a team official stated. "We concluded the training by practicing corner kicks, free kicks, and several other options."

Following the intense training, the players were given time for personal activities, with some opting to dine with family and others choosing to rest at the hotel. The highly anticipated match against Mexico, widely considered the decider for the top position in Group A, is scheduled for June 19 at the Estadio Jalisco in Guadalajara.

“

We refined our offensive and defensive tactics for the Mexico match, conducting drills at high, middle, and low blocks. We concluded the training by practicing corner kicks, free kicks, and several other options.