"Congratulations on the First Victory" President Lee Reveals Surprise Cake Received in Italy

Celebrating Korea's First Victory at the 2026 North and Central American World Cup
Korea to Play Second Match Against Mexico at 10 a.m. on June 19

During his state visit to Italy as part of his European tour, President Lee Jaemyung received a surprise cake as a gift.

A cake gifted by the hotel where President Lee Jae-myung, who is on a state visit to Italy, is staying on the 12th (local time). Courtesy of the Blue House.

According to the Blue House on June 13, President Lee revealed a congratulatory cake prepared by the hotel at his accommodation in Rome on the 12th (local time), celebrating Korea’s first victory at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.

The cake featured the inscription “KOREA 2 : CZECHIA 1” in English, along with a handwritten message that read “Congratulations, Mr. President.”

Earlier that day, under the leadership of coach Hong Myungbo, the Korean national football team defeated Czechia 2-1 in the Group A opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage, held in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Korea conceded the first goal to Ladislav Krejci in the 14th minute of the second half, but Hwang Inbeom equalized in the 22nd minute with a goal assisted by Lee Kangin. Then, in the 35th minute, Oh Hyungyu, who came on as a substitute for Son Heungmin, scored the winning goal with an assist from Hwang Inbeom, securing Korea’s first victory.

A senior Blue House official told reporters at the Rome press center that day, “During a post-event gathering, the hotel presented a cake. The hotel had prepared it because we won the football match 2 to 1, and it was a very pleasant surprise.”

This victory also became a topic of conversation during the summit with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Prime Minister Meloni said, “Congratulations to the Korean national football team on their first win at the North and Central American World Cup,” to which President Lee replied, “It’s unfortunate that Korea and Italy did not meet in the World Cup finals.”

Italy is a football powerhouse with four previous World Cup titles, but has failed to qualify for the finals for three consecutive tournaments, including this North and Central American World Cup.

Meanwhile, Korea will play its second Group A match against Mexico at the same venue at 10 a.m. on June 19, followed by the third match against South Africa at Monterrey Stadium at 10 a.m. on June 25.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.