"Stay as if at home, advance to the Round of 32 with Mexico": Special welcome for Hong Myung-bo's team... Club owner who provided training ground also extends welcome

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, Hong Myung-bo's team received a special welcome in Mexico. The club owner of the prestigious Mexican club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas), which provided the Verde Valle training ground serving as the South Korean national team's base camp, sent a direct welcome message.

Mexican media Recorrd reported on the 7th (Korea time) that "the South Korean national team received a special welcome at the Verde Valle training ground in Guadalajara." It added that "Chivas club owner Amaury Vergara emphasized the significance of the highly regarded South Korean national team visiting Guadalajara. He also expressed high expectations regarding the legacy this North American World Cup will leave for Guadalajara and the Chivas club."

The South Korean national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, established its base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico, and began preparations for the World Cup. The team is utilizing Chivas' training facility, Verde Valle, to continue local adaptation and prepare for the group stage.

South Korea was drawn into Group A alongside "host nation" Mexico, Czechia, and South Africa in the North American World Cup. Mexico is South Korea's group stage opponent in the second match, with the two teams set to face each other at Estadio Akron, the home stadium of the Chivas club. Despite being a rival team, Mexico warmly welcomed South Korea and wished for a strong performance in this World Cup.

Vergara, the club owner, stated, "Just like the stadium, this investment for the World Cup will become a legacy that remains long for our club and Mexican fans. Especially, South Korea understands what it means to become a host nation. We understand the responsibility and obligation that come with welcoming a national team with stature like South Korea's, and we are confident that we will exceed South Korea's expectations."

He even expressed hope for both South Korea and Mexico to advance together from the group stage. Club owner Vergara said, "I wish South Korea the best of luck. I hope that Mexico and South Korea will advance to the next stage together. I hope the South Korean national team feels as comfortable here as if it were their home. Just as we love this city, we hope South Korea enjoys it as well. We sincerely welcome you."

He also expressed confidence in Guadalajara's facilities. He said, "I hope the South Korean national team stays here, creates wonderful memories, and forms good impressions of everything we provide. South Korea's matches will be held at one of the world's top-level stadiums. Estadio Akron was built 50 years ago with the dream of hosting the World Cup, and now that dream becomes a reality through world-class national teams and players like South Korea's."

He added, "Verde Valle, where the South Korean national team trains, has undergone comprehensive renovations to meet the highest international standards."

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*This content was translated by AI.