South Korea's national football team has started high-altitude adaptation training in Salt Lake City to prepare for the 2026 World Cup [1].
This training phase is critical for the squad to build cardiovascular endurance and acclimatize to thinner air, which can significantly impact player stamina during tournament matches played in similar environments.
The training camp is located at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters [1]. The squad arrived in the city five days before the intensive training began in early May 2026 [1]. A total of 23 players are participating in the current training cycle [1].
Captain Son Heung-min joined the camp after completing his recent league matches [1]. His arrival provides a leadership boost to a squad already undergoing rigorous physical preparation. Midfielder Hwang In-beom also returned to the team, marking his comeback after recovering from an injury [1].
YTN News said the training site is characterized by views of permanent snow-capped mountains [1]. The integration of key players like Son and Hwang ensures the team can test tactical formations with its full starting strength while adapting to the high-altitude conditions.
The program focuses on maintaining performance levels under oxygen-deprived conditions, a strategy often used by national teams to gain a competitive edge in host cities with high elevations.
“South Korea's national football team has started high-altitude adaptation training in Salt Lake City.”
By establishing a base in Salt Lake City, South Korea is proactively mitigating the physiological risks associated with high-altitude play. The return of Hwang In-beom and the arrival of Son Heung-min suggest the team is shifting from general fitness to specific tactical integration, ensuring their primary playmakers are synchronized before the 2026 World Cup begins.
