Korea regains key players ahead of Mexico match
With Kim Tae-hyeon and Bae Jun-ho back in full training, Korea heads into its crucial World Cup match against Mexico with a healthier squad.
Korean national footballers participate in a training session near Guadalajara in Mexico for the FIFA World Cup 2026 on June 15.
NEWS1
With a couple of injured players back on the field Monday, Korea trained as a full squad for the first time since arriving in their World Cup base camp in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Defender Kim Tae-hyeon and midfielder Bae Jun-ho were both full participants in the training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan, Mexico, with the Taeguk Warriors gearing up for their second Group A match against Mexico.
The kickoff is at 7 p.m. Thursday Central Standard Time at Guadalajara Stadium, or 10 a.m. Friday Korea Standard Time.
Bae had been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury during a friendly against Trinidad and Tobago on May 30 in Salt Lake City. Kim picked up an ankle injury of his own while training last Tuesday for the group stage match against the Czech Republic.
National team officials initially ruled Kim out of the remainder of the group stage, but the center back has recovered to a point where he will be available against Mexico.
He is one of just two left-footed center backs on the team, along with Lee Gi-hyuk. With Kim not available, Lee played the full match against the Czech Republic. Kim now gives Korea an extra option on the left side of the defense in the back-three formation.
Bae has been a bit slower in his recovery, and officials said he is still having a little trouble making quick turns.
An attacking midfielder with offensive creativity, Bae had been among the sharpest Korean players during the Utah training camp before his injury. A healthy version of Bae will add some depth to Korea's attacking midfield corps, currently led by playmakers such as Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung.
Only the first 15 minutes of Monday's session were open to media, with the players jogging and stretching. Tactical work took place behind closed doors, a common practice in the days leading up to a World Cup match.
Both Korea and Mexico won their opening matches, and Thursday's winner will be in a prime position to progress to the knockout phase as the Group A winner.
Yonhap
