Hong Myung-bo bound for Iraq. the best variable in security. Son Heung-min responds to soccer fans

Jun 02, 2025

Hong Myung-bo bound for Iraq. the best variable in security. Son Heung-min responds to soccer fans



Hong Myung-bo bound for Iraq. the best variable in security. Son Heung-min responds to soccer fans
Hong Myung-bo left for Iraq, the place of the showdown. He took the lead to confirm his qualification for the 11th consecutive World Cup finals.

The Korean national soccer team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, left Incheon International Airport on a chartered flight on the morning of the 2nd (Korea time).

Twenty-one Taegeuk Warriors, including Son Heung-min (Tottenham), were on a chartered plane. He left for Iraq with Hong and other coaching staff.




European and Middle Eastern league players such as Lee Kang-in, Kwon Kyung-won, Won Doo-jae, Cho Yoo-min, and Park Yong-woo will join the national team there.

The national team, which was scheduled to arrive at the airport at 9 a.m., was delayed. He appeared at 10:10 a.m., an hour and 10 minutes late at the departure hall. More than 200 soccer fans cheered.

Son Heung-min responded to the soccer fans' enthusiastic support.




The situation in Iraq is unsettling. It was a no-travel country. The national team is in close cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He went on the expedition with a minimum number of people and a minimum schedule.

Reporters are not allowed to accompany him.

Security is uneasy. They plan to use bulletproof cars to move between accommodation and stadium. It takes place in Basra, Iraq. Basra has not had any security issues so far, but there have been protruding actions, such as crowd intrusion into the ground.




It is the most powerful variable.

In the third Asian qualifying round for the 2026 North-China World Cup, South Korea, which belongs to Group B, is leading with 16 points (4 wins, 4 draws). At 3:15 a.m. on the 6th (Korea Standard Time), they will play the 9th Group B match against Iraq in the third qualifying round at Basra International Stadium in Basra, Iraq.

If they win at least a draw in this game, they will be confirmed to advance to the finals.



This article was translated by Naver AI translator.