Mexican media mocked Hong Myung-bo's team's "high-altitude preparation" strategy, claiming that South Korea is more worried about Guadalajara's altitude than about Mexico itself.
On the 20th (KST), Mexican outlet El Imparcial reported, "South Korea is more worried about Guadalajara's altitude issue than facing Mexico in the 2026 FIFA North and Central American World Cup."
It continued, "Korean media and the national team's coaching staff are paying more attention to Guadalajara's environmental variables and the physical burden than to the Mexico match itself," and added, "South Korea has not beaten Mexico since 2006."
The South Korean national soccer team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will face Mexico, the Czech Republic and South Africa in Group A of the North and Central American World Cup group stage. In particular, South Korea will play both the Czech match and the Mexico match in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Guadalajara is a city located at about 1,500 meters above sea level. For players accustomed to typical lowland conditions, it can significantly affect stamina consumption and recovery speed. In fact, adaptation to high altitude is cited within the national team as one of the biggest variables in this World Cup.
Coach Hong Myung-bo also mentioned the importance of environmental variables when announcing the final roster.
Coach Hong said, "This World Cup is held over a very wide area. Various variables are bound to exist," and explained, "What matters is how well you control and respond to such situations."
The team has already begun preparations. The pre-camp site chosen, Salt Lake City in the United States, is also at about 1,500–1,600 meters above sea level. The plan is to raise players' fitness and conduct altitude adaptation training in an environment similar to Guadalajara.
But the local Mexican perspective is different. El Imparcial, while understanding South Korea's preparation process, reacted that "the truly more important issue is facing Mexico."
The outlet reported, "Coach Hong Myung-bo's remarks focused more on geographical conditions than on analyzing the competitive opponent," and added, "Korean football circles are worried that high altitude and match tempo will affect team performance."
It also mentioned South Korea's recent unfavorable head-to-head record.
El Imparcial noted, "South Korea has not beaten Mexico in the past 20 years," and pointed out, "The last victory was a friendly in Los Angeles, United States, in 2006."
In fact, South Korea recorded one draw and four losses in the five subsequent matches against Mexico.
However, the outlet argued that Guadalajara alone cannot explain Mexico's true home advantage.
El Imparcial emphasized, "If Mexico were to gain a real advantage, playing in Mexico City would have been much more favorable," and added, "Mexico City is at about 2,200 meters above sea level, much higher than Guadalajara."
In fact, Mexico will play its group matches against South Africa and the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
The outlet added, "From South Korea's point of view, it may be fortunate to meet Mexico in Guadalajara."
But Hong Myung-bo's team has already set its direction. It is preparing a World Cup-wide scenario that includes not only opponent analysis but also environment, travel and recovery. How quickly the team adapts to the unique variables of the North and Central American continent could greatly determine success or failure in this World Cup.
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