South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo has urged his players to embrace the FIFA World Cup 2026 as an occasion to enjoy rather than fear, stressing that the current generation possesses the quality and confidence needed to compete against the world's best.
Ahead of South Korea’s campaign, Hong reflected on his long association with the World Cup, having participated in the tournament as both a player and coach. The former defender described the competition as the ultimate dream for any footballer and expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness for the global event. He also highlighted the significant progress South Korean football has made over the years, particularly through the growing number of players competing in top European leagues.
Hong backs players to enjoy the occasion
Hong told in a press conference that he believes the fear once associated with facing elite international teams has largely disappeared from the South Korean setup. According to him, the current crop of players is far more experienced on the global stage and should approach the tournament with confidence.
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While acknowledging the historical significance of South Korea’s memorable run to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup, Hong stressed that the present squad should not feel burdened by past achievements.
🇰🇷 "México es una potencia, además, es uno de los países anfitriones, tienen esa ventaja": Hong Myung-bo, director técnico de Corea del Sur, habla de la Selección Mexicana previo al inicio del Mundial
— La Afición (@laaficion) June 10, 2026
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Instead, he wants his players to focus on creating their own legacy and treat the competition as a platform to showcase their abilities.
Fighting spirit remains Korea’s biggest strength
The coach identified “fighting spirit” as the defining characteristic of South Korean football. Despite generational changes, Hong believes the team’s determination, resilience and willingness to work for one another remain key assets.
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He also voiced confidence in captain Son Heung-min, describing the veteran forward as an experienced leader capable of guiding the squad through the pressures of a World Cup. Hong noted that Son’s understanding of major tournaments and leadership qualities would be crucial for the team’s ambitions.
South Korea opened its World Cup campaign with a comeback victory over the Czech Republic. This result reflected the unity and resilience Hong has consistently highlighted as the foundation of his side’s success.
