World Cup 26: Wave of red and faces of hope and disbelief
by Yoo Na-hyun · Han Jun-guPosted : June 19, 2026, 16:02Updated : June 19, 2026, 16:40
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A fan drops his head in disbelief after Korea allowed a goal versus Mexico during Group A match in Zapopan, Mexicon on June 19, 2028. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
SEOUL, June 19 (AJP) -— At Gwanghwamun Square, the familiar wave of Korean red was joined by a new shade of lavender purple — matching Team Korea's away uniform — and occasional splashes of daring Mexican green.
Together, they painted an emotional portrait that shifted every few minutes.
Fans cheer for the Team Korea as it faces Mexico for the FIFA World Cup match at Mexico's home turf on June 19, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
By late morning, all 11,000 prepared seats had been filled, forcing authorities to open nearby roads as more spectators poured into the square. Under the blazing summer sun, supporters carried portable fans, iced coffees and towels draped around their necks.
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
A fan shows off ingenuity to stay out of cold while cheering for the Team Korea during the match with Mexico for FIFA World Cup on June 19, 2026. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Families spread picnic mats. Office workers stole glances at giant screens while taking an extended lunch break. Grandparents, parents and children sat side by side.
Then came the ritual. And the familiar "Dae-han-min-guk" rally cries, all directed toward Team Korea battling Mexico before a roaring home crowd in Guadalajara.
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
The chants. The songs. The clapping.
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Hangang Play Place in Ttukseom Hangang Park in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Han Jun-gu
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Hangang Play Place in Ttukseom Hangang Park in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Han Jun-gu
Every attack drew a collective gasp. Every defensive clearance brought applause.
Then came the mistake.
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Ki-hyeok collided while attempting to clear a high ball, leaving Mexico midfielder Luis Romo with an open net. A roar erupted thousands of kilometers away in Guadalajara.
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
At Gwanghwamun, there was only silence. The sort of silence unique to World Cup defeats — not angry, but stunned.
Each near chance drew a fresh wave of anticipation before ending in synchronized groans.
Yet even after the final whistle, few rushed to leave.
Some remained seated, staring at the giant screens long after the broadcast had ended. Others gathered for photographs, smiling despite the result.
Because Gwanghwamun's World Cup ritual has never been solely about winning. It is about showing up.
South Korean football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun
Mexican football fans cheer while watching the Group A match between South Korea and Mexico at a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul on June 19, 2026, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026북중미월드컵 멕시코 ajupress
