Korea arrive in Monterrey for decisive World Cup group finale against South Africa

Korea arrived at the site of their final group stage match of the ongoing FIFA World Cup in northeastern Mexico on Sunday.

Korean players and their staff checked into their hotel in Monterrey, greeted by dozens of fans at the entrance.

Fans yelled players' names as they entered the hotel, with captain Son Heung-min drawing the loudest cheers.

The Taegeuk Warriors had been training near Guadalajara, south of Monterrey, for the past two-plus weeks, as they played their first two Group A matches there. Korea opened the competition with a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic on June 11, but then lost to the home team, Mexico, 1-0 last Thursday.

Mexico have already clinched the top spot in Group A with six points. Korea are in second place with three points, and they can join Mexico in the round of 32 with a win or a draw against South Africa at Monterrey Stadium at 7 p.m. Wednesday — or 10 a.m. Thursday, Korean time.

Korea may also sneak into the knockouts as one of the eight best third-place teams if they lose to South Africa, but Mexico either defeats the Czech Republic or draws on Wednesday.

However, if both Korea and Mexico lose on the final day, Korea will be eliminated.

Koreans will train in hotter, more humid conditions in Monterrey after enjoying cooler conditions in Guadalajara. Monterrey Stadium is expected to be among the hottest open-air venues at the tournament, which is being co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the United States.

Stuck at work or school when Korea kicks off? We've got you covered. The Korea JoongAng Daily is live-blogging every Korea match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, around the clock. Don't miss a moment.

Yonhap