World Cup 26: Koreans ride emotional journey during the first match

Supporters cheer while watching South Korea's Group A match against the Czechia Republic during a public viewing event for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 12. AJP Yoo Na-hyun

SEOUL, June 12 (AJP) -The thrill before kickoff

Thousands of supporters dressed in red packed Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square on Friday morning, creating a sea of national flags and cheering sticks as South Korea opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against the Czechia. Office workers on leave, families with children and foreign visitors gathered beneath giant screens, united by anticipation and hope.

The nail-biting first half

As the match settled into a tense, scoreless opening half, emotions fluctuated with every attack. Fans leaned forward in expectation, erupting at every glimpse of a scoring chance before sinking back into anxious silence. The square held its breath as opportunities came and went, with tension building under the summer sun.

Shock

The mood changed instantly when the Czechia broke the deadlock early in the second half. Groans rippled through the crowd. Some supporters covered their faces in disbelief while others stared silently at the screens, struggling to process the setback.

Relief

Hope returned eight minutes later when Hwang In-beom calmly slotted home the equalizer. The square erupted in applause and cheers as supporters jumped from their seats, celebrating the goal that breathed new life into South Korea's World Cup opener.

Joy

The atmosphere intensified as South Korea pushed forward in search of a winner. Chants from the Red Devils echoed across the square, and supporters waved flags with renewed confidence as momentum swung decisively in the Taegeuk Warriors' favor.

Euphoria

When Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winning goal to complete South Korea's 2-1 comeback, Gwanghwamun Square exploded in celebration. Strangers embraced, families danced and friends exchanged high-fives as a wave of pure joy swept through the crowd. Long after the final whistle, supporters remained in the square taking photos and reliving a memorable victory — South Korea's first World Cup opening-match win since 2010. Some headed back the office and luckier ones went straight to pubs for the World Cup chimaek – chicken and beer mix.

One team, one moment

For a brief moment, everyone at Gwanghwamun Square became part of the same team. Beneath a sea of red shirts and fluttering flags, thousands of supporters shared the exhilaration of a comeback victory that will be remembered as one of the defining scenes of South Korea's 2026 World Cup journey.

Yoo Na-hyun

World Cup 26: Koreans ride emotional journey during the first match

Related