Seoul: The national football federation announced Monday it will organize outdoor cheering events for South Korean matches at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The Korea Football Association (KFA) plans to collaborate with its official sponsor, KT, and the national team supporters group, Red Devils, to hold street cheering at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul for the country's three group stage matches.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea will play all three Group A contests in Mexico. In South Korean time, they will face Czechia at 11 a.m. on Friday, followed by Mexico at 10 a.m. on June 19, and finally South Africa at 10 a.m. on June 25. The KFA aims to create a festive atmosphere by setting up a stage and screens in the plaza, while ensuring a safe and orderly watch party.
Additionally, the KFA will establish pop-up booths inside the KT Gwanghwamun West building, which will honor South Korea's past World Cup squads. These booths will offer fans an opportunity to send words of encouragement to players in Mexico. The booths will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Monday to Saturday during the World Cup.
The tradition of outdoor cheering for World Cup matches began in South Korea in 2002, when the country co-hosted the tournament.