South Korea Eye Mexico Clash as a Second Home

MONTERREY, Mexico — More than 7,000 miles from Seoul, in a country with no obvious tie to the Korean peninsula, South Korea are discovering one of the more unlikely advantages of this World Cup: a host nation that has adopted them as its own. As the Taegeuk Warriors prepare for a decisive group finale at Estadio Monterrey, coach Hong Myung-Bo isn't shy about what the Mexican crowd could mean. "We may feel this is like a home ground tomorrow," he said — a remarkable thing for a visiting Asian side to say in the heart of Mexico.

The distances involved make the bond all the more striking. Roughly 7,120 miles separate Monterrey from Seoul, with only one commercially available direct flight from Monterrey to Incheon International Airport, taking almost 15 hours. And yet, against the odds, South Korea have not just been welcomed in Mexico — they have, in a real sense, been embraced as a home team.

A love affair that began in Guadalajara

The connection isn't new to this match; it has followed South Korea across the country. The love affair between Mexicans and the visiting South Koreans began in Guadalajara, where the team played its opening two matches, and has now migrated to the state of Nuevo León.

Its most vivid expression came on the opening day. Just as on the tournament's first day — when supposedly neutral Mexican supporters ended up fervently cheering for South Korea in their 2-1 victory over Czechia — the same looks destined to happen at Estadio Monterrey, where Hong's side need to avoid defeat against South Africa to guarantee a place in the round of 32.

Hong, for his part, is deeply aware of the goodwill and grateful for it. "The relationship between Korea and Mexico is very good. We know about that," he said. “When we played against Czechia, it was not only Korean fans, but also Mexican fans who cheered for Korea. We feel very grateful for the cheering from the Mexican fans.”

He also pointed to deeper roots behind the support. "We know that there are many Korean companies here and Koreans living in the city," Hong noted, before framing the atmosphere as an asset to be used. “That is a very big gift to our players, so we'll have to use that well for the game.”

There was, of course, one fixture where even all that affection couldn't help. South Korea's most recent outing came against Mexico themselves, a 1-0 defeat that saw the co-hosts secure top spot in Group A.

No room for complacency

Despite a favorable position, Hong is refusing to play it safe. South Korea can guarantee second place with anything other than a defeat on Wednesday, thanks to a superior head-to-head record with Czechia should both finish level on four points. But the coach sees danger in settling for the draw that would be enough.

"I don't think it will be beneficial to rest on our laurels and be complacent. It's a difficult match against strong opposition tomorrow," Hong said. “I don't think we can be satisfied for the draw. It'll be risky. That's why we're going to think about winning the game.”

The reward for boldness would be historic. Should South Korea beat South Africa, it would see them record two group-stage wins at a World Cup for the first time since they famously reached the semifinals in 2002.

Redemption in the background for Hong

For the man in the dugout, the stakes carry a personal echo he is determined not to dwell on. Hong's first spell in charge was an ill-fated 2014 campaign in which South Korea failed to win a single game — the only time that has happened in the past 28 years. A successful run here would, on paper, represent redemption. Hong sees it differently.

"I'm now leading the team at the 2026 World Cup. I'm here in Mexico. I'm making a new challenge with a new team right now," he said. "About the past, I don't consider it important. Even if I succeed this time, I'm not sure whether I can gain back my reputation. So it's not important to me." His focus, he insisted, is squarely on responsibility rather than vindication. "What is important is that I must do my best. We don't know how the result will be, but I have to be responsible for it," he added.

What awaits beyond the group

The path forward is already coming into view. Should South Korea finish second in Group A, they will face the runners-up of Group B in Los Angeles on June 28, in the first game of the round of 32. A third-place finish that still qualifies would send them elsewhere. In that scenario, they would meet the winners of Group C or Group E — the latter already guaranteed to be Germany.

For now, though, the immediate task is a kind one in atmosphere if not in difficulty. South Korea will walk out in Monterrey as visitors by geography but, if the opening weeks are any guide, as favorites in the stands. In a tournament spread across three nations and countless time zones, Hong's team have found something precious so far from home: a crowd that sounds like one of their own. The challenge now is to repay it with the win that would make this Mexican adventure unforgettable.