In Group A of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup, opposing managers have shared their assessments of the Korean national team.
The Korean team got off to a strong start with a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their group opener. The football Korea is displaying at this tournament is clear: the players cover a lot of ground, transition quickly, and maintain their attacking speed without slowing down. In addition, players such as Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min, Hwang In-beom, and Oh Hyun-gyu anchor the team with their ability to change the flow of the game.
Miroslav Koubek, head coach of the Czech Republic national football team, who played the first match against the South Korea national football team at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Miroslav Koubek, head coach of the Czech Republic, Korea’s first-round opponent on June 12, described Korea and Mexico as the favorites to top Group A, but admitted, “To be honest, Korea made a stronger impression.” The Czech Republic scored the first goal against Korea but ended up conceding back-to-back goals to Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyun-gyu, losing 1-2 in a come-from-behind defeat.
Koubek attributed Korea’s dynamism not to the effects of playing at high altitude, but to the players’ abilities. He emphasized that Korea is not simply a team that adapts well to the environment, but one that is genuinely impressive in terms of actual performance.
South Korea's national football team competing in the 2026 North America World Cup will face off against the Mexican national football team led by coach Javier Aguirre. Photo by Yonhap News Agency
원본보기 아이콘Javier Aguirre, head coach of Mexico, Korea’s second-round opponent, identified Lee Kang-in as the key player to watch in the match against Korea. Having previously coached Lee Kang-in at Mallorca, he said, “We will try to stop Lee Kang-in from getting on the ball,” describing him as “a player who excels in both attack and defense, has a wide view of the pitch, and handles the ball freely.”
Aguirre also mentioned Son Heung-min and Hwang In-beom. He especially noted that Hwang In-beom and the wingers combined well in the match against the Czech Republic, and recalled that Oh Hyun-gyu scored in both last year’s friendly against Mexico and the recent match against the Czech Republic.
Coach Hugo Broos of South Africa, who will face Korea in the North and Central America World Cup. Photo by Yonhap News
원본보기 아이콘Hugo Broos, head coach of South Africa, also sees Korea as a difficult opponent. He described Korea as “a very disciplined team with high work rate,” and added, “They run non-stop for the full 90 minutes, as if powered by batteries.”
Summing up the views of the opposing managers, Korea’s playing style is distinct. Korea is not merely a team that defends and holds out. With their relentless work rate, they press hard, move forward quickly after regaining possession, and have core players whose individual abilities can change the outcome of a match.
The situation is also developing in Korea’s favor. The Czech Republic and South Africa drew 1-1 in their Group A second-round match, leaving both teams with just one point. Having already secured three points, Korea will greatly increase their chances of advancing to the Round of 32 if they can earn just one more point against Mexico.
Now, all eyes turn to the match against Mexico.
