Seoul: Thousands of fans gathered at Gwanghwamun Square on Friday to support South Korea in its group stage match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The plaza in central Seoul saw around 2,300 people by 9 a.m., ahead of the 10 a.m. kickoff, according to an unofficial police estimate.

According to Yonhap News Agency, street cheering has become a cultural phenomenon in South Korea since it co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, drawing millions to city streets to support the national team. Fans engaged with the atmosphere by waving and taking photos whenever they appeared on the electronic display board.

Kwon Hyuk-woo, 19, expressed his dedication, saying, "I stayed up all night and I am exhausted, but I plan to watch the game until the final whistle before heading home to sleep." Fans had varying predictions for the match outcome. Lee Seung-jun, 36, anticipated a 3-0 victory led by South Korean captain Son Heung-min's hat trick. Meanwhile, Bae Jun-gi, 19, predicted a tie against the formidable Mexican team but remained hopeful for a win.

Adding to the vibrant atmosphere, Mexican fans also joined the crowd, proudly draped in their national flags. Jordi, a 30-year-old from Tijuana, Mexico, noted, "I found about the street cheering on social media. Mexico is in full festival mode right now, so I wanted to bring that energy to Korea."

The event was organized by the Korea Football Association, KT Corp., and the Red Devils national team supporters group, who estimated that up to 20,000 people might visit the square. A victory against Mexico would secure South Korea the top seed in Group A, irrespective of its final group stage match against South Africa next week.