"The World Cup is not about experience; it is a place to prove yourself." Bold statement by the youngest member born in 2003... Hong Myung-bo's team departs for the decisive venue [Incheon International Airport]

*This content was translated by AI.

"The World Cup is not a place for experience, but a stage to prove oneself."

The youngest member also joined the resolute South Korean national team as it took its first step toward the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.

The first main squad of the South Korean national football team, led by Coach Hong Myung-bo, departed on the 18th in the afternoon through Terminal 2 of Incheon International Airport for Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, where the pre-tournament training camp will be held. On this day, the departure hall was visited by ROKFA Vice President Lee Yong-soo and Kim Seung-hui (EVP) to encourage Coach Hong's team, seeing off the players and boosting the national team's morale.

Approximately 50 football fans gathered at the airport to see off the national team. Players Song Beom-geun, Baek Seung-ho, and Bae Jun-ho responded to fans' requests for autographs before departing, exchanged greetings, and proceeded to the departure gate.

Before departing, the Taegeuk Warriors met with reporters and shared their resolve. Bae Jun-ho, the youngest member born in 2003, stated, "In previous age-group World Cups, we went with the mindset of enjoying the experience and having fun, but this time, I believe the World Cup is a stage where we must prove everything. Since the weight of responsibility is significantly different, we will take on even greater responsibility at the senior level and do our best."

Lee Dong-gyeong (Ulsan HD), who was selected for the second time as a K-League representative, said, "This has been the dream stage I have pursued since I first tied my football boots. I want to prepare well so that I can bring joy to the people when I go there." Lee Gi-hyeok (Gangwon FC), a surprise selection, remarked, "During previous national team call-ups, I was extremely nervous, so this time, I am focusing on not being nervous and showing everything I have. I will make an effort to approach my teammates quickly and integrate into the team as soon as possible."

The first main squad departing today was centered on domestic players and key resources who made the final roster, including Bae Jun-ho, Eom Ji-seong, Lee Dong-gyeong, Baek Seung-ho, Kim Jin-gyu, Lee Gi-hyeok, Kim Moon-hwan, Cho Hyun-woo, and Song Beom-geun. In addition, three partners—Yoon Ki-wook, Jo Wi-je, and Kang Sang-yoon—who will assist with tactical training for the Gi Gan (CEO) team during the call-up training, joined the flight, bringing the total number of players on board to 12. The remaining overseas players, who are currently fulfilling their club schedules, are expected to join the pre-tournament camp in the United States immediately after completing their commitments.

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The national team will establish a camp in Salt Lake City, Utah, focusing on adapting to high-altitude environments similar to Guadalajara, the venue of their first match in the tournament. Alongside local tactical training, they will conduct consecutive friendly matches against Trinidad and Tobago at 10 a.m. on the 31st and El Salvador at 10 a.m. next month to assess their strength. After completing the final mock tournament, the team will enter the base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, the decisive venue, on the 5th and begin the group stage schedule.

South Korea, placed in Group A of this tournament, will face the Czech Republic in their first group stage match at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara at 11 a.m. on the 12th. They will then clash with host nation Mexico at the same venue at 10 a.m. on the 19th, followed by their final group stage match against South Africa at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey at 10 a.m. on June 25.

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*This content was translated by AI.