'Two soldiers armed with firearms per pair—do not take out your cameras!' Hong Myung-bo's 'two matches' at the World Cup stage in Guadalajara... High alert [On-site report from Guadalajara]

*This content was translated by AI.

The Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, where Hong Myung-bo's team will play the first and second group stage matches of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, is shrouded in palpable tension as the tournament opener approaches, under strict security and thorough control.

On the morning of the 6th local time, at the entrance of Estadio Akron and other key thoroughfares visited, soldiers armed with actual firearms were deployed in pairs, maintaining a high-alert guard.

The reason for such tension surrounding the stadium is linked to the recent local security situation. According to local reports, throughout Mexico recently, bloody incidents such as retaliatory vehicle arson and road blockades have frequently occurred in connection with the arrest of drug cartel leaders. Even at the end of April, violent clashes erupted during the arrest of a cartel successor, raising concerns about safety during the World Cup period.

Moreover, in the vicinity of Guadalajara, where the South Korean national team will play two group stage matches, fierce battles between the military and cartels have taken place, deepening concerns over Hong Myung-bo's team's safety. According to a report by the British media 'The Guardian', shortly after the Mexican military killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho), the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, cartel members blocked approximately 100 major roads across Mexico and attacked National Guard bases, resulting in a bloody incident with at least 59 deaths.

In particular, the Kartodromo Checo Perez F1 circuit, which the cartel had blocked with burning buses, is located just over 2.1 km from Estadio Akron, where the South Korean national team's matches will be held.

Given the situation, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum issued an official statement emphasizing that "there is no danger for World Cup visitors and the situation in Jalisco is gradually returning to normal," while FIFA President Gianni Infantino also stepped in to reassure that "everything is fine."

With the new political climate in chaos just as the World Cup festive atmosphere should be in full swing, the World Cup organizing committee appears to be devoting all its efforts to security this time to avoid repeating the nightmare of a shootout outside the Estadio Corona in August 2011, which forced players and fans to evacuate.

Due to this background, on-site security control was extremely strict. Outside the stadium, sketch photography capturing soldiers from a distance was relatively freely permitted, but the atmosphere changed completely upon entering the stadium.

Just before entering the interior, a stadium security official approached and instructed the media team to immediately put their camera equipment into their bags, strictly prohibiting filming to maintain security. At the AD card distribution center, which is mandatory for all global media and officials to access the World Cup stadium and training grounds, not only interior shots but also exterior views of the building are strictly prohibited.

Hong Myung-bo's team, which completed high-altitude acclimatization training in Guadalajara after their pre-camp in Salt Lake City, USA, arrived at The Westin Guadalajara Hotel on the afternoon of the 5th local time. The national team did not conduct any separate training on the day of arrival and will begin their full schedule in Guadalajara through FIFA-organized community training on the afternoon of the 6th.

The South Korean national team is scheduled to play their fateful first group stage match against the Czech Republic at Estadio Akron on the morning of June 12 (Korean time). Then, a week later on the morning of the 19th at the same venue, they will face the host nation Mexico in a crucial second group stage match that will serve as a major turning point for advancing to the Round of 16.

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*This content was translated by AI.