President Lee Jae-myung, currently on a tour of Europe, received a cake from his hotel in Italy celebrating the South Korean national soccer team's victory in their first match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
The Blue House announced on June 13, local time, that President Lee received a cake with the message congratulating the team on their win in the group stage match against the Czech Republic. The cake featured the phrases "Korea 2: Czech 1" and "Congratulations, Mr. President."
Under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean team defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match of Group A at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on June 12, Korean time. After conceding a goal in the 59th minute, Korea equalized with a goal from Hwang In-beom in the 67th minute and secured the win with a goal from Oh Hyun-kyu in the 80th minute. This marked Korea's first victory in a World Cup group stage match since the 2010 tournament in South Africa.
The news of the team's victory was also a topic of discussion during President Lee's state visit to Italy. During a summit on June 12 with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, she congratulated the South Korean team on their win. President Lee responded, "It’s a pity we didn’t meet Italy in the World Cup finals," eliciting laughter.
Italy, a traditional soccer powerhouse with four World Cup titles, failed to qualify for this year's tournament, marking their third consecutive absence from the World Cup after missing the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
The victory was also mentioned during a Korea-Italy business roundtable following the summit. Ryu Jin, chairman of the Korea Economic Association, expressed gratitude for the attendees' support, attributing the team's success to the "lucky city" of Rome. The audience responded with applause.
After concluding his schedule in Italy, President Lee will begin his visit to the Vatican on June 14. He is set to attend a special mass for peace and solidarity at St. Paul’s Basilica, where he will deliver a commemorative speech. He will also meet with Cardinal Yoo Heung-sik, the first Korean to be appointed as the head of the Vatican’s clergy department, along with other Korean clergy gathered from various regions.
On June 15, President Lee will have a private meeting with Pope Leo XIV at the papal palace and will also meet with Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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