The South Korean national football team departed Incheon International Airport on Monday for a pre-World Cup training camp in Salt Lake City [1].
This final stage of preparation is critical as the team seeks to acclimate to the environment and refine tactics before the tournament begins. The squad's arrival in the U.S. marks the transition from domestic preparations to high-intensity training in the host region.
Led by manager Hong Myung-bo, the team is heading to the U.S. to establish a base of operations. The training camp in Salt Lake City is designed to ensure the players are in peak physical condition for the 2026 North-America World Cup [1].
Defender Lee Ki-hyuk spoke with reporters during the departure process. He acknowledged the support of the fans and expressed his commitment to the team's success.
"Fans have supported me with truly sincere cheering because I am part of the national team," Lee said [1]. "I believe I must go and show a good performance so that their support is not in vain."
Lee said he intends to "show a good appearance" [1].
The team's travel schedule is timed to maximize recovery and adaptation before the official competition begins. The World Cup is scheduled to open June 11 [1].
With the tournament less than a month away, the focus for Hong Myung-bo and his players is now on cohesion and strategic readiness in the U.S. environment [1].
“"I believe I must go and show a good performance so that their support is not in vain."”
By establishing a training camp in Salt Lake City, South Korea is utilizing a strategic acclimation period to mitigate the effects of jet lag and altitude. This move is a standard but vital component of elite international football preparation, ensuring players are physically peaked for the June 11 opening date.
