Hong Myung-bo Cautions About the Challenge Posed by Mexico

Reporting from Nashville, South Korea’s coach Hong Myung-bo acknowledged Mexico’s strengths while preparing for a tougher challenge than their recent match against the United States. After a 2-0 victory over the U.S., he spoke cautiously ahead of the friendly at Geodis Park, emphasizing that Mexico’s abilities require careful consideration.

“The Mexican national team includes many talented players,” Hong stated at a press conference. He added, “I anticipate more challenges due to their players’ skills, speed, and intensity. Their coach is also well-respected globally. The U.S. team is strong, but we expect a highly competitive Mexico.”

The focus remains on Son Heung-min, the LAFC star who brings extra attention to the match. However, media interest is lower compared to past games. Mexico’s match against Japan received around 200 media requests, including 60 from Japanese outlets, while only about 30 Korean journalists and roughly 100 in total have signed up for this match.

Ticket sales are also not meeting expectations, with organizers estimating that around two-thirds of the stadium will be filled. As preparations are underway, the atmosphere is marked by respect, with Korean reporters greeting players and staff with traditional bows, highlighting the cultural context of this event.