Seoul to Host Outdoor Cheering Events for South Korea's 2026 World Cup Group Matches
South Korean football fans will have the chance to watch their national team's 2026 World Cup group stage matches together at Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, according to multiple reports from Yonhap News Agency.
The Korea Football Association (KFA) announced it will organize street cheering events for all three of South Korea's Group A matches, partnering with its official sponsor KT and the national team supporters group, the Red Devils, as reported by Yonhap. The Seoul government also confirmed the events, according to a separate Yonhap report.
South Korea will face Czechia, Mexico, and South Africa in Group A, with all matches taking place in Mexico. The first match against Czechia is scheduled for 11 a.m. KST on a Friday (the exact date was not specified in the reports). The subsequent matches against Mexico and South Africa are set for 10 a.m. KST on June 19 and June 25, respectively.
Both reports agree that the cheering events will be held at Gwanghwamun Square, a prominent public space in the capital. The KFA said it will set up a stage and large screens in the plaza to accommodate fans, ensuring a safe and orderly environment. The Seoul government added that safety personnel will be deployed to the venue to manage the crowds and prepare for medical emergencies and potential heat waves, as temperatures in Seoul can be high in June.
In addition to the main viewing area, the KFA said it will establish pop-up booths inside the KT Gwanghwamun West building, which will pay homage to South Korea's past World Cup squads and allow fans to send messages of encouragement to the players in Mexico. These booths will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, during the tournament.
Outdoor cheering for World Cup matches has a long tradition in South Korea, dating back to the 2002 tournament, which the country co-hosted with Japan. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar also saw large crowds gather at Gwanghwamun Square, as shown in a file photo by Yonhap.
The reports note that the events are jointly organized by the KFA, KT, and the Red Devils, with the Seoul government providing support and guidance. No other organizers or sponsors were mentioned.
While the reports do not specify the capacity or any potential restrictions, the Seoul government's advice to use public transportation suggests that large crowds are expected. Authorities are likely to implement crowd control measures to ensure the safety of all attendees.
As the World Cup approaches, further details about the cheering events may be announced. Fans planning to attend are encouraged to follow official updates from the KFA and the Seoul government.
This article is based on reports from Yonhap News Agency, which were consistent across multiple sources.