Jun Hyun-moo, right, and Yang Se-chan, Korean TV personalities, pose at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Thursday, to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup match between Korea and the Czech Republic. Korea Times photo by Choi Joo-yeon
ZAPOPAN — A festive atmosphere filled Guadalajara Stadium hours before kickoff as Korea opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Thursday (local time).
Fans began arriving hours before the opening match against the Czech Republic. Despite enduring nearly two hours of lines caused by massive crowds and security screenings by armed personnel, supporters maintained a vibrant mood. They waved at the guards and cheered, transforming the wait into a celebration.
Inside, the energy continued as fans shopped for merchandise and competed in a volume-measured "Goal!" shouting contest to win prizes.
While local Mexican fans formed the majority of the stadium crowd, a significant international contingent stood out in Korea's red jerseys. Gary Kiefer, 37, of Los Angeles, and his Mexico-based cousin Gabriela Manibez, 30, both wore Korean gear bearing the name and number of captain Son Heung-min, 34, who plays for Los Angeles FC.
