Gwanghwamun to Host Large-Scale Support for South Korea's World Cup Match Against Mexico

Citizens display a large Taegeukgi at the street cheering stage set up in Gwanghwamun Square during the match between South Korea and Czech Republic on June 12, 2026. Photo: Yonhap News — Citizens display a large Taegeukgi at the street cheering stage set up in Gwanghwamun Square during the match between South Korea and Czech Republic on June 12, 2026. [Photo: Yonhap News]

Gwanghwamun Square is expected to be filled with red on June 19 as excitement builds for South Korea's second group stage match against Mexico in the North and Central America World Cup. Following a surprising turnout during the first match against the Czech Republic, even more fans are anticipated to gather this time.
According to officials from cheering organizations on June 17, plans are underway to expand the scale of World Cup support nationwide. Discussions are ongoing about setting up large screens at major locations across the country for collective cheering events.
During the match against the Czech Republic on June 12, Gwanghwamun Square saw over 10,000 attendees, significantly exceeding the initial estimate of 6,000. Despite temperatures rising to around 28 degrees Celsius, the enthusiasm remained high as fans braved the early summer heat with umbrellas and water bottles to support the national team.
The Korea Football Association will install a main stage and relay screens in the Gwanghwamun area on June 19 and 25. The matches will be broadcast live on a large media wall at the KT Gwanghwamun Building. Fans can join the street cheering without prior reservations. There will also be K-pop performances, AI shows, and giveaways.

Citizens wave a large Taegeukgi during the national anthem at the street cheering event in Gwanghwamun Square on June 12, 2026, during the match between South Korea and Czech Republic. Photo: Yonhap News — Citizens wave a large Taegeukgi during the national anthem at the street cheering event in Gwanghwamun Square on June 12, 2026, during the match between South Korea and Czech Republic. [Photo: Yonhap News]

The Red Devils, South Korea's official cheering squad, are encouraging participation in the street cheering through social media platforms like Instagram. Support merchandise, including Red Devils scarves and World Cup commemorative T-shirts, will also be sold near Gwanghwamun Station.
Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Choi Hwi-young became the first minister to participate in the street cheering during the match against the Czech Republic. However, he is expected to miss the live cheering for the match against Mexico due to a scheduled overseas trip.
The enthusiasm for support is spreading beyond Seoul, with Incheon City planning joint cheering events on June 19 and 25 at the underground level of Incheon City Hall Station on Line 1.
Mexico, South Korea's opponent, is also gearing up for the match with a nationwide support campaign, including school closures on game day.
If the South Korean team performs better than expected in this tournament, there are hopes that the football enthusiasm, which has waned due to controversies like the 'bread bakery football' debate, will be revived.

* This article has been translated by AI.