Hong Myung-bo's team confirms friendly matches in the U.S. and Mexico in September

Hong Myung-bo's team will face the United States and Mexico in consecutive matches in the U.S. this coming September.

On the 14th, the Korea Football Association (KFA) announced that the national football team, led by coach Hong Myung-bo, will play friendly matches against the United States and Mexico in September as part of the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifying series in North America.

The South Korean national team will have its first friendly match against the United States on September 7 at 6 AM (KST) at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey, followed by the second match against Mexico on September 9. The specific location and kickoff time for the match against Mexico have not yet been confirmed.

This will be the national team's first overseas friendly match in about two years since their matches against Wales and Saudi Arabia in September 2023 in the United Kingdom. Notably, the matchup against the United States will be the first since the friendly match held in Los Angeles in February 2014, marking an 11-year gap.

The United States, ranked 16th by FIFA, holds a higher ranking than South Korea, which is ranked 23rd; however, in their all-time head-to-head record, South Korea holds the advantage with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses. The current U.S. national team is led by Mauricio Pochettino, who was Son Heung-min's mentor and a former manager of Tottenham Hotspur.

A crucial test against strong opponent Mexico ahead of World Cup qualifiers

The match against Mexico, ranked 17th by FIFA, will be the first encounter since their friendly match held in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, in November 2020, almost five years ago.

South Korea's all-time record against Mexico shows 4 wins, 2 draws, and 8 losses, placing them at a disadvantage. Particularly painful memories linger from their two encounters in the World Cup finals in 1998 and 2018, where South Korea lost both times. Much attention is focused on whether they can avenge those losses in this upcoming friendly match.

Meanwhile, Coach Hong Myung-bo is set to announce the roster for the final two matches of the third qualifying round against Iraq and Kuwait on the 26th at the Football Association headquarter.

The 9th match against Iraq in the World Cup third round qualifiers will take place on June 6 in Iraq, while they will face Kuwait on June 10 at home.

Image source: Hong Myung-bo, head coach of the South Korean national football team / News1, reference photo for better understanding of the article / News1