The three teams that South Korea’s national football team will face in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are also making active preparations. Head coach Hong Myung-bo’s squad will compete against co-host Mexico, European playoff qualifier Czech Republic, and African dark horse South Africa in the group stage.
Mexico is moving the fastest. Since March 7 (Korean time), the team has convened 20 players from the domestic Liga MX at the Mexico City training center. This early assembly comes about a month before their opening group match against South Africa on June 12. The plan is to maximize cohesion and teamwork through a five-week long-term training camp. The training center itself is located at an altitude of 2,240 meters, adding an acclimatization challenge.
However, head coach Javier Aguirre sparked conflict with some clubs by issuing a warning that players who refused the early call-up would not be considered for the World Cup squad. The Mexican Football Federation intervened, and the clubs eventually relented, smoothing over the dispute.
Mexico will play three warm-up matches before the World Cup—against Ghana, Australia, and Serbia—choosing opponents that reflect the African, Asian, and European teams in Group A.
South Africa, considered the weakest team in Group A, has chosen a base camp in Pachuca, Mexico, at an altitude of 2,434 meters to better adapt to the high altitude. Their first group match will take place in Mexico City, which sits at 2,200 meters.
South Africa will hold a send-off event with a friendly against Nicaragua in Johannesburg on March 29 before departing for Mexico. They will then play a final rehearsal match against Puerto Rico ahead of the tournament.
Czech Republic, South Korea’s first group-stage opponent, qualified for the World Cup through the playoffs, meaning their ticket was secured later than others. As a result, they face a disadvantageous preparation schedule.
The Czechs are the only team in Group A to set up their base camp in Dallas, United States, rather than Mexico. Two of their three group matches will be held in Mexico, requiring significant travel. Moreover, they are likely to struggle with acclimatizing to Mexico’s high altitude.
Before heading to the U.S., the Czech Republic will also hold a send-off event with a friendly match, reportedly against Chile. On June 4, they will conduct a final check against Guatemala in New Jersey, USA.