South Korea’s National Football Team Sets Sights on 2026 World Cup with US Training Camp
South Korea’s national football team, under the guidance of manager Hong Myung-bo, has finalized preparations for the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. This includes confirming a pre-tournament training camp location and a detailed roadmap to success.
Strategic Training Base in Salt Lake City
The team will establish its pre-World Cup base in Salt Lake City, Utah, for approximately two weeks before moving to Guadalajara, Mexico, the location of their group stage base camp. Training facilities and weight training resources will be provided by Real Salt Lake and the University of Utah.
The Korean Football Association (KFA) emphasized the selection of Salt Lake City was based on careful consideration of climate conditions and the need for acclimatization to high altitudes. The training grounds are situated at an altitude of approximately 1,460 meters, similar to the 1,500-meter altitude of Guadalajara, where the team will play its first two group stage matches.
Roadmap to the World Cup
The national team will announce its final squad on May 16th. A contingent led by Hong Myung-bo will depart for the United States on May 18th. During the pre-camp period, the team is scheduled to play two friendly matches to refine team cohesion and prepare for the tournament.
The KFA noted that the time difference between South Korea and the US (during the period of the camp, accounting for US Daylight Time) will be 15 hours, aiding in minimizing jet lag.
Final Preparations in Mexico
Following the completion of the US training camp, the team will travel to Guadalajara, Mexico, six days before their first group stage match on June 5th, to finalize preparations and adapt to the local conditions.
FAQ
When will the final World Cup squad be announced?
The final squad will be announced on May 16th.
Where will the team train in the United States?
The team will train in Salt Lake City, Utah, utilizing facilities from Real Salt Lake and the University of Utah.
How many friendly matches are planned before the World Cup?
Two friendly matches are scheduled during the US training camp. Specific opponents and dates will be announced later.
What is the significance of the training location’s altitude?
The altitude of Salt Lake City is similar to Guadalajara, helping the team acclimatize to the conditions they will face during the group stage.
