Ulsan HD, the 'representative of K League,' has taken its first step toward the Club World Cup in the United States.
Ulsan departed from Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 at 9 a.m. (Korea time) on the 6th, passed through Atlanta, Georgia, and arrived in Charlotte at 5 p.m. (local time) on the 6th. After arriving, the team focused on recovering from fatigue with dinner and light stretching exercises, while also taking breaks to relieve their travel fatigue.
The next day, on the 7th, the team conducted activation indoors starting at 10 a.m. (local time) and spent about two hours outdoors on local acclimatization, condition checks, and pattern training, successfully completing their first training session in the United States.
Ulsan's local BASS camp is located in Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlotte is situated in the middle of the three cities (Orlando, New Jersey, Cincinnati) where the group stage will take place. The Ulsan team is scheduled to fly to the match city the day before the game on a charter flight provided by FIFA. It is possible to reach each match city from BASS within two hours by charter flight.
The official training ground has been completed for one year and is the training facility of Charlotte FC, which is part of Major League Soccer (MLS), called 'Atrium Health Performance Park.' The two practicing fields, featuring natural grass to the actual stadium specifications, are in top pitch condition. Additionally, the indoor training facility and locker room have only been recently renovated, ensuring excellent training conditions.
The hotel where the team will stay during the tournament is the 'Renaissance Charlotte SouthPark,' utilizing two floors. Players and coaching staff will come together to communicate and also take time to relax.
It is not yet complete. Currently, players excluding goalkeeper Jo Hyun-woo, who is called up to the senior team, central defender Kang Min-woo, who is called up to the U-20 team, and those undergoing rehabilitation are training in Charlotte.
Ulsan will participate in the FIFA Club World Cup for the third time in history, following its appearances in 2012 (Japan) and 2020 (Qatar). In both previous tournaments, it finished in sixth place. This tournament has been restructured compared to the past, with 32 teams participating every four years, similar to a world cup, to determine the champion.
■ Ulsan HD match schedule (below Korea time)
First match: June 18 (Wednesday) at 7 a.m., Ulsan HD vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (Orlando Interandco Stadium)
Second match: June 22 (Sunday) at 7 a.m., Ulsan HD vs. Fluminense (New Jersey MetLife Stadium)
Third match: June 26 (Thursday) at 4 a.m., Ulsan HD vs. Borussia Dortmund (Cincinnati TQL Stadium)
[Photo] Provided by Ulsan HD.
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