As South Korea prepares for its second group stage match in the 2026 FIFA North and Central America World Cup, the streets of Seoul are awash in red. Following their victory in the first match, fans are rallying behind the national team, eager to secure an early top spot in the group.
Under the guidance of head coach Hong Myung-bo, the South Korean team will face host nation Mexico on June 19 at 10 a.m. local time at the Estadio Guadalajara in Sapopan, Mexico.
Both teams earned three points in their opening matches, making this game a pivotal moment in the race for the group lead. A win against Mexico would guarantee South Korea's advancement to the knockout stage and solidify their position at the top of the group.
Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno District was bustling with soccer fans dressed in red jerseys from early morning. Despite the weekday morning schedule, office workers, families, and foreign tourists flocked to the area to show their support.
The Korea Football Association, along with the Red Devils fan club and KT, has set up an official cheering section with 9,000 seats, an increase of 3,000 from the previous match against the Czech Republic.
Additionally, this match will be broadcast live on the large media wall at the KT West building in Gwanghwamun Square, marking the first sports live broadcast since the area was designated as a free advertising zone.
Excitement is also building in other key areas of Seoul. Shinsegae Department Store will broadcast the match live on its 1,300-square-meter media facade at its main branch in Jung-gu, providing a dedicated cheering space for spectators.
In Yeouido, Korea Investment & Securities is hosting a large-scale cheering event at KIS Square, its outdoor plaza. To accommodate the expected crowd, the cheering area has been expanded to include three additional lanes and a standing area across the street, along with the installation of large LED screens and food trucks offering refreshments.
With tens of thousands of fans expected to gather, safety measures are being prioritized. The Seoul city government is operating a comprehensive situation room to enhance pedestrian safety and has set up rest areas and medical personnel in anticipation of the heat. Organizers of the street cheering events are also increasing the number of safety personnel and implementing strict crowd control measures to minimize congestion.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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