Legendary US World Cup coach Kim Ho: "A win in South Africa is not just a stepping stone... Do not let Hong Myung-bo's team become complacent" [North America World Cup Special Interview]

*This content was translated by AI.

A legendary coach, just one month before the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup, called for the Korea Football Association (KFA) to establish a practical support system and prepare thoroughly for high-altitude variables.

On the 29th, at a café near Gihyeon Station in Cheoin-gu, Yongin, we met Kim Ho (82), a towering figure in Korean football. With the North America World Cup just one month away, he left sincere advice and encouragement for the national team and the KFA.

Coach Kim, inducted into the K-League Hall of Fame in the coaching category last year, is a legend who has written the history of Korean football. He took charge of Suwon Samsung as its first-ever coach in 1995, achieving two consecutive K-League titles and two consecutive Asian Club Championships, and recorded an impressive 208 career wins.

His fighting spirit during the 1994 US World Cup, leading the national team to a 2-2 draw against the world's strongest Spain and a 2-3 loss to Germany, remains a legendary moment in Korean football history. Coincidentally, Coach Hong Myung-bo, who is now leading the Hyeon Jae (CEO) team, was a key defender under Coach Kim at that time. However, the master's heart did not seem at ease as he watched his disciple head to North America for the first time in 32 years.

Coach Kim repeatedly emphasized the need for administrative support and system establishment for the national football team. Recalling the harsh environment of the past, he stressed the importance of practical support for the Hyeon Jae (CEO) team. He recalled, "In 1994, the support system was not as developed as it is today, and we suffered greatly. If local Korean residents had not stepped up to help as if it were their own business, it would have been difficult to properly compete in the World Cup."

He continued, "Such dedication eventually became the catalyst for spreading awareness of Korean football and was the driving force that showed Asian football could challenge the world."

In particular, adaptation to high altitude is a variable directly linked to performance. Korea will play its first two group stage matches in Guadalajara, at an altitude of 1,571 meters. Drawing on his experiences as a player and later as a coach, Coach Kim noted, "At high altitudes, the air is thin, and legs feel heavy. Some players even suffer nosebleeds." He added, "While it is important for individual players to make efforts to adapt to the environment, the association must provide full support to help them maintain peak condition."

He also warned against lowering guard against group stage opponents. Hong Myung-bo's team will face Czech Republic (who advanced through European playoffs), host nation Mexico, and South Africa in order. Regarding the perception that South Africa, the opponent in the final group stage match, is the weakest team, Coach Kim firmly stated, "There is no such thing as a 'stepping stone' win in the World Cup." He warned, "Teams like South Africa must never be taken lightly. The unique stamina and cardio capacity of African teams will pose a significant threat to us."

He further pointed out, "We must not forget the memory of missing a decisive victory opportunity against Bolivia (0-0 draw) in 1994. Such teams can be more frightening than the so-called strong teams."

He also did not hold back on criticism regarding the long-term system. Coach Kim said, "We must not become obsessed with immediate results. There needs to be bold investment in technical systems. If there are no suitable talents in Korea, we should bring in foreign experts to establish a system where they can transfer technical know-how domestically."

Concluding the interview, Coach Kim once again urged support and attention for the national team. He said, "I fought in a harsh environment in the past, but I hope my juniors can show better football within a stable system. If the nation and the association become a solid pillar for the players, they will have sufficient competitiveness on the North America stage in 2026."

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*This content was translated by AI.