Former national team player Park Ji Sung gets teased after meeting coach Park Hang Seo on the training field

Park Ji Sung, the iconic figure in South Korean football and a JTBC commentator, visited the location of South Korea's opening group stage match in the 2026 World Cup qualifying round for the North, Central America, and Caribbean region, while voicing his firm belief in the team led by Hong Myung Bo.

On June 11 (Korean time), Park Ji Sung attended the South Korean national team's training session held at Chivas Verde Valle in Guadalajara. When meeting reporters, he smiled and said, "You guys will do well."

He continued, "The World Cup itself is a stage that can have a positive impact on South Korean football," adding, "Many believe South Korea has quality players. I think if we prepare well for the match against the Czech Republic and perform well, we can certainly achieve the desired result. I hope the whole team prepares thoroughly and plays a good game," offering words of encouragement.

Questions from a Mexican reporter on-site were also raised. When asked about Javier Hernandez (Chicharito), the Mexican striker who once shared a meal with him during his time at Manchester United, Park Ji Sung said, "Chicharito is an amazing player," adding, "He must be around 38 or 39 now.

He has built an incredible career and fully deserves it. I heard he hasn't decided to retire yet, so I'll always cheer for him," offering generous praise for his former teammate.

Earlier, Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek stated in a press conference that he was not too concerned about adapting to the altitude, as his team only arrived in Guadalajara one day before the match.

In response, Park Ji Sung said, "I don't think we can say it won't have any effect," adding, "If I came here yesterday and was asked whether the high-altitude environment would impact tomorrow's match, I can't say it won't cause any difficulties. It will certainly have some influence, and the opponent can only answer in that way as well."

He then offered advice: "However, looking at the results Mexico has achieved on home soil in the past, it's clear that the high-altitude environment can definitely create some disadvantages for teams not accustomed to it. I think we need to make good use of that factor."

A notable detail: when reporters said they were ready for an interview, Park Ji-sung joked, "This isn't official. You're forcing me, right?" Nearby, Park Hang-seo added, "Should I step aside?" The former player, born in 1981, stopped him and then answered the reporters' questions thoroughly.

Since May 2025, former Vietnam national team coach Park Hang Seo was elected as KFA Vice President, with the main task of supporting the national team.

After the 2026 World Cup ends, he will begin his role as head coach of Kanchanaburi FC in Thailand's second-tier league, Thai League 2.