Lead

SEOUL — South Korean football fans have turned Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square into a sea of red during the 2026 World Cup group stage, gathering in large numbers to cheer for the national team. From the opening match against Czechia to the decisive final group game against South Africa, street cheering has drawn thousands, reflecting a tradition that dates back to the 2002 World Cup, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

Coverage Comparison

Yonhap's reporting covered three separate matches, each drawing significant crowds. For the opening match against Czechia on June 12, initial reports indicated around 500 people had arrived by 9 a.m., with organizers estimating up to 6,000 could visit. A later update reported that between 16,000 and 18,000 fans had gathered by 1 p.m., according to a city government estimate. The match ended with South Korea defeating Czechia 2-1.

For the second group match against Mexico on June 19, thousands gathered, with about 2,300 present by 9 a.m., according to an unofficial police estimate. Organizers expected up to 20,000 visitors for that event. The final group match against South Africa on June 25 saw organizers anticipate up to 20,000 fans, with early arrivals including a fan who woke up at 3 a.m. and another who arrived at 7:30 a.m.

The reports consistently emphasized the cultural significance of street cheering in South Korea, tracing its popularity to the co-hosted 2002 FIFA World Cup, when millions filled the streets.

Key Claims

  • More than 16,000 fans gathered in Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square for South Korea's opening match against Czechia, according to a city government estimate reported by Yonhap.
  • South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in the match, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Fans carried umbrellas or portable electric fans to beat the heat, with the day's high forecast around 30°C, according to Yonhap.
  • Street cheering has become a trend and phenomenon at major social events since South Korea co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Thousands of fans gathered for the match against Mexico, with an unofficial police estimate of about 2,300 by 9 a.m., as reported by Yonhap.
  • Victory against Mexico would secure South Korea the top seed in Group A, regardless of the final group match outcome, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Up to 20,000 fans were expected for the match against South Africa, according to organizers, as reported by Yonhap.
  • South Korea needed only a draw against South Africa to advance to the knockout stage, as reported by Yonhap.
  • A Mexican win or draw in the simultaneous Mexico-Czechia match would relegate South Korea to third place, keeping their hopes alive as one of the eight best third-place teams, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Organizers estimated up to 6,000 people could visit the square for the Czechia match, as reported by Yonhap.
  • Hundreds of fans had gathered by 9 a.m. for the Czechia match, according to an unofficial police estimate, as reported by Yonhap.