Uzbek expats celebrate historic World Cup debut in Seoul
by Han Jun-guPosted : June 18, 2026, 16:43Updated : June 18, 2026, 16:43
Share
facebook
twitter
URL
Text size
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea cheer after their national team scores during a World Cup match at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
SEOUL, June 18 (AJP) - On the morning of June 18, the underground floors of S Tower in Seongsu-dong—Seoul’s renowned hipster district—were transformed into a cauldron of Central Asian football passion. Roughly about 200 Uzbekistan expatriates, international students, and workers living in South Korea gathered to witness a monumental milestone: the Uzbekistan national football team’s first-ever FIFA World Cup match against Colombia.
Uzbekistan Ambassador to South Korea, Alisher Abdusalomov, delivers a welcome speech to hundreds of compatriots at a watch party in Seongsu, Seoul, uniting the community moments before the national team kicks off its first-ever World Cup match against Colombia on June 18. AJP Han Jun-gu
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea cheer after their national team scores during a World Cup match at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Highlighting the importance of the day, Uzbekistan Ambassador to South Korea, Alisher Abdusalomov, personally joined his countrymen in Seoul to passionately support the national team. The ambassador stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the crowd, sharing in the collective pride and emotional weight of the historic debut. The watch party also served as a beautiful display of regional solidarity, with embassy representatives from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan attending to support their Central Asian neighbor.
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea cheer after their national team scores during a World Cup match at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Although the match ended in a 3-1 victory for Colombia, the atmosphere in Seongsu was nothing short of a festival. Strangers became instant friends, united by the beautiful game. Every screen was packed with deeply focused fans, and a unique highlight of the morning was hearing the spontaneous, passionate reactions to goals and near-misses shouted in a lively mix of both Korean and Uzbek.
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea wave national flags at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
For the fans in attendance, the result on the pitch was completely secondary to the overwhelming emotion of finally seeing their country on the world's biggest sporting stage. Here are the verbatim voices of the attendees who shared this unforgettable morning:
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea cheer for their country's World Cup match on a screen at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Shokboz, a 27-year-old, explained that expats from all parts of South Korea have gathered in Seongsu to show support for their national team. "Today is a very historic, unforgettable, and special day for us. The reason is that the Uzbekistan national football team is playing its first match in the World Cup finals," he said, adding: "It is a great joy to spend such a meaningful day with our compatriots, cheering and enjoying the game. Moreover, this event goes beyond simply watching a match; it was organized so that people who love the same homeland can share a sense of community as one mind and one nation, and unite even more."
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea react with disappointment after conceding a goal at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Ulugbek, a 30-year-old university student who traveled from the southern city of Daegu, also shared his excitement. "I feel so great. I have been living in Daegu, attending university, and I came all the way to Seongsu just for the football match. There are Uzbek people in Daegu, too, but this is the first time people have gathered in a massive group like this. It's nice to gather with Uzbek people after a long time."
Uzbekistani residents in South Korea cheer for their country's World Cup match on a screen at the basement of S Tower in Seongsu-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, on June 18, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
