World Cup opener sees Son Heung-min fever sweep Mexico stadium

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.

"I've been cheering for Son Heung-min since he played for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League," Kiefer said. "Personally, I'm an LA Galaxy fan, but despite that, I still like Son. I came to Korea's first match to see him."

Gary Kiefer, right, and his cousin Gabriela Manibez pose in Korea’s red national team jerseys at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Park Joo-hee

Korean fans were similarly excited. Yoon Yeo-hoon, 38, and Park Sol-bi, 36, arrived three days prior as part of a nine-month tour across North and South America and Europe.

"We think Korea will win 2-1, with Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyeon-gyu each scoring a goal," the couple said.

Yoon Yeo-hoon, left, and Park Sol-bi, a Korean couple on a nine-month world tour, arrive at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Thursday, to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Korea Times photo by Park Joo-hee

Czech supporters offered a contrasting prediction. Lukas Tresky, 35, and Jara Valka, 26, said they expected a 2-1 Czech victory, driven by goals from Patrik Schick and Tomas Soucek.

"Although we joined the World Cup finals late and couldn't train for altitude, there will definitely be a backup plan," they said, aiming for the squad to advance to the round of 32 with two wins and one loss.

Lukas Tresky, left, and Jara Valka pose in Czech Republic jerseys at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Thursday. Korea Times photo by Park Joo-hee

The international crowd demonstrated deep knowledge of Korea's European-based roster, singling out Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

"It is a thrill to see players who play in Europe here in person," one fan said. "It's a rare opportunity to watch one of Sonny's games live at a stadium."

That anticipation translated to the pitch. Son drew the loudest cheers during the starting lineup introductions and every time he touched the ball. Czech fans countered by chanting Schick's name, but the volume fell short of the roaring Korean support.

The disparity in crowd noise became increasingly apparent. While the Czech goal drew cheers, the stadium erupted when Hwang In-beom, 30, who plays for Feyenoord, scored the equalizer. The noise reached a sustained, explosive peak after Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the go-ahead goal to secure victory.

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by a generative AI system and edited by The Korea Times.