'Congratulations, Mr. President': Lee receives surprise cake in Rome after South Korea's World Cup win

President Lee Jae Myung, on a state visit to Italy, received a surprise gift at a Rome hotel Friday celebrating South Korea's national team victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.

A senior Cheong Wa Dae official told reporters that day the hotel had presented a cake during a reception following the Korea-Italy Business Roundtable. "The hotel made a cake because Korea won the soccer match 2-1 — it really lifted our spirits," the official said.

The cake featured the score "Korea 2 : Czech Republic 1" alongside a handwritten message reading "Congraturation Mr. President."

Earlier that day, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 at Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico in their Group A opener at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.

Upon hearing the news, President Lee took to social media to congratulate the team. "I send warm applause to our proud Taeguk Warriors, the coach and the coaching staff," he wrote.

He went on to say: "Our national soccer team claimed a hard-earned victory against the Czech Republic in their first match at the 2026 North America World Cup. The moment the comeback goal went in, the whole country cheered together as one."