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With the CONCACAF World Cup opening nearing, high altitude has emerged as a real concern for South Korea’s national team. Hong Myung‑bo said he has personally felt headaches and shortness of breath and warned that the tournament’s environmental factors could pose problems.
In an interview on MBN’s Sports LIVE guest segment on the 22nd, Hong said, “Being here definitely feels uncomfortable. I’m getting a bit of a headache and my breathing is a little labored.” He added that reactions vary by player but that many are noticing similar effects.
The team began high‑altitude acclimation training in Salt Lake City, Utah, on the 19th. The pre‑camp sits at 1,460 meters above sea level, so temperature, humidity and time‑change conditions are similar to Guadalajara, Mexico, where the squad will base itself for the World Cup.
Hong said he visited Mexican sites at 2,300–2,700 meters after the group draw last year. “Those locations are higher than our current camp,” he noted, “but Korean players generally haven’t been exposed to high‑altitude environments.” Even inside Korea, elevations above 800 meters are uncommon, so the whole squad is going through an unfamiliar adaptation process.
Signs of altitude effects have already appeared within the squad. Hong reported that oxygen saturation levels are generally within the normal range, but players are showing heavier legs and faster breathing. “As expected, we need about two to three days to acclimate,” he said. “It will be difficult to run high‑intensity sessions today and tomorrow.”
Plans to use four‑back and three‑back systems… “Players learn quickly”
The staff plans to build training intensity in stages before moving into full tactical work. Hong indicated he may use both four‑back and three‑back formations at the World Cup.
“You can’t respond to every World Cup opponent with just one formation,” he said. “There are three‑back movements within a four‑back and vice versa.” He praised the squad’s tactical uptake, saying the players are picking things up very quickly.
Hong also updated the status of Europe‑based players recovering from injuries. He said Hwang In‑beom, Oh Hyun‑kyu and Kim Min‑jae are being managed to be ready for the first match, adding that Kim’s injury is not serious and that his participation remains possible.
Regarding Lee Kang‑in, who will join late because of Champions League commitments, Hong said the ankle issue is not severe and expressed hope that Lee can prepare well for both the Champions League final and the World Cup.
“This World Cup will produce many upsets”… Caution on environmental factors
Hong predicted this CONCACAF World Cup could deliver plenty of surprises. He warned that volatile U.S. weather and modified match operations—such as break times after 22 minutes—introduce new variables that teams must prepare for or risk falling behind.
On the group‑stage opener against the Czech Republic, he said South Korea might have a slight edge in altitude adaptation but stressed that the opponent is strong on set pieces and physically imposing, so meticulous preparation is required.
Hong emphasized that environmental factors and fitness management will be critical in this tournament and vowed to prepare the players so they can compete to the end and never give up.
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