Mexico makes a heated statement regarding South Korea's participation in the World Cup.

A Mexican official has addressed matters related to the South Korean squad prior to the upcoming summer World Cup.

In light of security concerns emerging before the World Cup, Mexican authorities have reassured international teams and fans. A representative from Jalisco state affirmed that the host nation has prepared special protection plans to ensure absolute safety for participating delegations, including the South Korean team.

Mauro Garza, strategic coordinator for economic development and growth in Jalisco state, stated that the Mexican government had early on devised specific security measures for the tournament. According to him, these measures will be implemented throughout the World Cup period from June 11 to July 19, when Mexico co-hosts alongside the United States and Canada.

The reassuring statements were made amid Jalisco state having recently experienced a tense security situation. After a gang leader was eliminated in a military operation in February, gang members carried out road blockades, arson attacks on vehicles and businesses in multiple areas.

Clashes between security forces and gang gunmen subsequently resulted in approximately 70 fatalities. This situation raised concerns that Guadalajara – the capital of Jalisco state might lose its hosting rights for some World Cup matches, including two matches in South Korea's Group A.

However, FIFA quickly dismissed the possibility of changing venues. On the local government side, Garza also emphasized that security assurance measures had been meticulously prepared to welcome teams and fans.“The presidential office will deploy special security programs to ensure the safety of visitors coming to our state during the World Cup period,” Garza said, while affirming that the violence incidents were localized and the situation had been effectively controlled.

He also stated that the security plan is not only applied specifically to Guadalajara but also implemented in other host cities of Mexico.“These plans are not only for Guadalajara but also for other cities like Monterrey and Mexico City. I believe that when people come here, they will see for themselves that their safety is guaranteed.”

Additionally, the Jalisco state official highlighted the experience from organizing major international events in the past will help the locality prepare for the planet's biggest football festival. “In our state, the forces responsible for security, logistics, and tourism have been collaborating for years to prepare for the World Cup. We are developing plans to ensure national team players can safely reach the stadiums.”

According to the schedule, South Korea is in Group A alongside Mexico, South Africa, and a European playoff winner. The team led by coach Hong Myung-bo will play its opening match against the European representative on June 11 at Estadio Akron stadium in Guadalajara, before facing host Mexico a week later. When asked about the notable showdown between the two teams, Garza appeared quite optimistic and did not forget to offer a playful prediction. “I hope the two strongest teams in the group will together secure spots in the knockout round,” he said before adding: “I think Mexico will win 2-1.”

With strong commitments from the Mexican government, security concerns ahead of the World Cup have been somewhat alleviated, allowing the South Korean team and fans to feel more assured as they look forward to the planet's biggest football festival this summer.