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 is critical because the upcoming tournament in North and Central America will feature matches in high-altitude environments. Acclimatizing the squad early helps prevent performance drops caused by lower oxygen levels during competition [1].
The squad arrived in Salt Lake City five days before the latest reports [1]. The training site is located at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters [1]. A group of 23 players is participating in the camp [1].
Captain Son Heung-min joined the training sessions after completing his league match obligations [1]. His arrival provides a boost to the squad's leadership and offensive capabilities as they adjust to the thin air. Midfielder Hwang In-beom has also returned to the training camp and is reported to be healthy [1].
The program focuses on physical conditioning and endurance. By training at 1,300 meters [1], the players aim to increase their red blood cell count and aerobic capacity. This physiological shift is a standard strategy for national teams facing the geographical challenges of the North American landscape, which includes several high-elevation cities.
The team will continue its drills in the U.S. to ensure the players are fully adapted before the tournament begins [1].
“South Korea's national football team has started high-altitude adaptation training in Salt Lake City”
By establishing a training camp in Salt Lake City, South Korea is mitigating the risk of altitude sickness and fatigue that often plague teams unfamiliar with high-elevation play. This proactive approach suggests the coaching staff is prioritizing physiological readiness to ensure the team can maintain its tactical intensity regardless of the host city's geography during the 2026 World Cup.
