Mexican fans march through the concourses of Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, singing chants ahead of Korea's Group A match against Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Thursday (local time). Korea Times photo by Park Joo-hee
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — The floor of Guadalajara Stadium shook as the host nation took the field. More than 45,000 Mexican fans packed the stands, chanting and singing throughout the match in passionate support of their national team. The roar was so deafening that conversations with the person next to you were nearly impossible. Stadium noise levels reportedly peaked at an astonishing 149 decibels.
Yet the roughly 500 Korean supporters, gathered behind the players' tunnel and in the upper section behind the goal to its right, refused to be overwhelmed. Vastly outnumbered, they waved Korean flags relentlessly and delivered what could only be described as a "one against a hundred" cheering performance.
Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, where Korea faced Mexico in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday (local time), had already turned into a sea of green four hours before kickoff. Fans wearing Mexico's signature green jerseys patiently waited in long lines under the sweltering sun to pass through security checks. Despite the heat and lengthy wait, few appeared bothered. Instead, supporters smiled, took photos together and chatted excitedly as anticipation built ahead of the match.
