South Korea Chooses Guadalajara as Its Base Camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

South Korea has officially confirmed Guadalajara as its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, selecting Chivas Verde Valle—the training center of Club Deportivo Guadalajara—as its headquarters during the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The decision is part of a strategic plan focused on altitude adaptation and local conditions.

The announcement was made by the Korea Football Association (KFA) after evaluating several options across Mexico, with the goal of providing the national team with an optimal environment ahead of the World Cup.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo explained that arriving early in Guadalajara will allow players to gradually acclimate to the city’s altitude of approximately 1,500 meters above sea level—conditions unfamiliar to many of the squad and factors that can significantly impact physical performance.

Coaching staff also highlighted the quality of the facilities at Chivas Verde Valle, noting that the complex offers top-level infrastructure and ideal spaces for physical, technical, and tactical preparation ahead of World Cup matches.

South Korea has been drawn into Group A for the 2026 World Cup, alongside Mexico, South Africa, and the winner of a European playoff. As a result, several of their group-stage matches will be played in Mexican cities, including Guadalajara, where South Korea is scheduled to play at least two of its three group matches.

Federation officials are also considering an initial training stop in the United States as part of the team’s broader preparation plan, before settling permanently in Mexico at Verde Valle to fine-tune workload, adapt to climate conditions, and prepare for match intensity.

The South Korean coach confirmed that the decision was made after consulting with experts in exercise physiology and altitude training, emphasizing that choosing the right base camp will be crucial for ensuring peak physical condition during the most demanding stages of the 2026 World Cup.

South Korea also plans to take advantage of Guadalajara’s geographic proximity to several match venues, reducing travel time and allowing the squad to remain focused on preparation and recovery throughout the tournament.