Monterrey, Mexico (AP) — As South Korea prepares to face South Africa in its final World Cup 2026 Group A match in Monterrey, head coach Hong Myung-bo anticipates an atmosphere akin to a home game. This belief stems from the warm support received from Mexican fans during South Korea’s previous match against the Czech Republic.
The opening game saw South Korea win 2-1 in Guadalajara, boosted by the cheers of local spectators. Hong Myung-bo expressed gratitude, saying, We may feel like this is our home ground tomorrow, and that is a very big gift to our players.
He hopes to harness this enthusiasm to secure a successful performance.
A historical connection contributes to this camaraderie. In 2018, South Korea defeated Germany 2-0, helping Mexico advance to the round of 16. This led to celebrations outside the South Korean consulate in Monterrey, with chants of Coreano, hermano, ya eres Mexicano (Korean brother, you are now Mexican) from appreciative Mexican fans.
The alliance between fans from both countries has continued, despite differing soccer cultures. Lee Ha-young, who traveled from Seoul, noted, Mexican fans have a lot of energy – more energy than us. We have the same energy in our hearts, but it’s really hard to express because in Korean culture it’s not easy to express our feelings.
Beyond visiting fans, Monterrey houses a significant South Korean community of around 5,000 immigrants. Many reside in Pesquería, following the establishment of a KIA Motors plant among other businesses, deepening ties between the nations.
South Korea’s Group A games have all occurred in Mexico, which, alongside the United States and Canada, co-hosts the tournament. Though many fans desired matches in the U.S., particularly due to Son Heung-min’s presence at LAFC, Lee acknowledged the warmth shown by Mexicans, affirming a sense of home in Monterrey.
Currently, South Korea sits second in the group with three points after a 1-0 loss to Mexico. South Africa and the Czech Republic each managed a draw and have one point. South Korea can advance to the knockout stage with a win or draw, whereas South Africa needs a win to avoid elimination.
A second-place finish in the group would send South Korea to Los Angeles for its round of 32 match against Group B’s runner-up. Los Angeles is a familiar place, embracing over 300,000 Korean-Americans. Still, Lee expressed reluctance to leave Mexico, saying, We might have to go to the U.S., but I don’t want to leave, I want to stay here in Mexico.
Maya Koluder-Ramirez and Ethan Wilcox are students in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
AP World Cup: https://apnews.com/fifa-world-cup