World Cup 2026: We will analyze South Africa carefully – South Korea coach Hong Myungbo

South Korea head coach Hong Myungbo has pledged to begin an in-depth study of South Africa and Mexico immediately, following the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage draw.

The Asian side has been placed in Group A alongside tournament hosts the United States and South Africa, with the final spot to be claimed by the winner of the European play-off section.

Korea and Mexico recently met in the September international window, playing out a 2-2 draw.

“I was taken aback to see us being selected at the very beginning,” Myungbo said, as per FIFA.com.

“You can’t ever assume that you can get a favourable draw at a World Cup.

“Our work to analyse our opponents will start now. We’ve faced Mexico in September, and South Africa have produced very good results recently.

“These games will give us the base to build on,” he continued.

South Korea will kick off their World Cup campaign against the European play-off winner.