Guadalajara Hit by 'Water Bombs' Every Night... Why Coach Hong Myung-bo Keeps Looking Up at the Sky After Dark [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] The sky over Guadalajara, the site of the decisive battle, looks ominous. By day, the sun beats down with skin-searing heat, but after sunset, heavy rain suddenly pours down with thunder and lightning. More than the opponent's strength, the unpredictable weather has emerged as a new threat for the South Korea national football team.
The national team, led by Hong Myung-bo, will face host Mexico in the second match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the 18th at 7 p.m. local time, or 10 a.m. on the 19th in Korea, at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan. It is a decisive one-off match that could determine the group leader.
The biggest concern is the kickoff time. Since the team arrived in the city, Guadalajara has been repeating an extraordinary weather pattern almost every day. From late afternoon until midnight, torrential rain lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour makes visibility nearly impossible. Roads and sidewalks are quickly flooded, and some areas even lose power. While this is a familiar part of the rainy season for locals, it is a critical variable that could sap performance for the Taeguk Warriors, who must play from 7 p.m. until around 9 p.m.

Fortunately, it did not rain during the first match against the Czech Republic on the 11th. Avoiding the worst-case scenario of aerial duels and a waterlogged pitch against the towering Czech side was a major stroke of luck for South Korea. But there is no guarantee the sky will cooperate against Mexico. On a waterlogged field, precise passing becomes impossible and physical exhaustion rises sharply. The coaching staff must prepare thoroughly for a muddy, rain-soaked contest.
Although external factors surrounding the match are complicated, Mexico's actual strength is widely seen as far from unbeatable. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening match after South Africa had two players sent off, but it also exposed clear tactical limitations. Ki Sung-yueng, who watched the game on site, also expressed confidence, saying, "Mexico is not as strong as I expected. Our players are at a level where we can definitely give them a good fight."

Still, Hong Myung-bo remained cautious. He said, "Mexico is a traditional powerhouse and the host nation of this tournament. Just as we benefited from being the host in the 2002 World Cup, the advantage of playing at home is beyond imagination," warning against the one-sided support Mexico will enjoy.
South Korea enters the Mexico match with a psychological edge after beating the Czech Republic, but a massive wave of challenges awaits: the overwhelming green home-field atmosphere from 40,000 fans and the unpredictable 'water bomb' that could hit Guadalajara at any moment. The key to advancing as group leader will depend on how well the team controls these invisible variables.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter