Korean, Mexican fans share dances, food at World Cup watch party

Korean and Mexican football fans hold hands as they dance together at a Mexican restaurant in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul, Friday, after Mexico defeated Korea 1-0 in their second Group A match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Korea Times photo by Na Gwang-hyun

It was Friday morning in Seoul, and Mexico and Korea were set to face off in a crucial 2026 World Cup match in Zapopan, Mexico. At a Mexican restaurant in Itaewon in Yongsan District, central Seoul, a crowd had gathered to watch.

But unlike a conventional watch party, where cheers and groans tend to rise in unison, the restaurant was awash in both red and green, with Korean and Mexican fans jumbled together.

On one side of the restaurant where a small stage had been set up, two men danced side by side. One was dressed in red, with a giant Korean flag draped around his shoulders like a cloak, while the other wore green in support of Mexico. They danced, shouted, “This is football!” for good measure, and ended the routine laughing together.

“It is a little disappointing that Korea lost, but this is the kind of World Cup atmosphere that makes it so enjoyable,” said Baek Eun-jung, 32, one of the men onstage. Baek runs a YouTube channel called “Feballas Studio.”

“Regardless of who wins or loses, everyone comes together,” he said.

More than 40 football fans from around the world gathered that morning, including supporters of Mexico and Korea as well as people from the United States, Israel, Denmark and elsewhere.

Burritos and tacos emerged from the kitchen, while glasses of tequila and beer on the tables were emptied as the match wore on.

Lee Seul-ah, an organizer of the event and founder of LatinSpiritKorea, a Latin dance community in the country, said she decided to host the watch party because the match had drawn attention in both countries for reasons that went beyond winning the match.

Carlos takes a photo of four shots of tequila he ordered at a Mexican restaurant in Itaewon, Yongsan District, Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Na Gwang-hyun

At the 2018 World Cup, Korea stunned then-defending champion Germany, a result that allowed Mexico to advance to the round of 16 in a dramatic reversal.

“Even eight years later, Mexicans still remember that match and warmly welcome Korean soccer fans,” said Carlos, who hails from Mexico.

The amiable atmosphere gave way to a more competitive mood as the match began, with supporters on both sides exchanging cries of “Go, Korea!” and “No, for Mexico!” in half-joking banter.

The watch party erupted five minutes into the second half, when Luis Romo scored. Korean fans groaned, their faces crestfallen, while Mexican supporters burst into cheers and waved miniature flags.

Football fans watching the Wold Cup Group A match between Korea and Mexico at a Mexican restaurant show sharply contrasting reactions after Mexico scores the winning goal in the second half of the game, with one side erupting in cheers and the other sinking in disappointment. Korea Times photo by Na Gwang-hyun

When the final whistle blew, with Mexico winning 1-0, the restaurant fell silent for a moment. Then applause broke out among the Korean fans, acknowledging their team’s defeat.

It was the cue for the party’s second round to begin, as the watch party gave way to Latin dancing. Celebrating Mexican supporters and Korean fans mingled on the dance floor until the two sides seemed to become one.

“It is my first time watching a football match with locals in a foreign country,” said Andrea, who came dressed in a Mexico jersey. “It is an unforgettable experience.”

Lee Seul-ah of Korea and Andrea of Mexico dance together at a Mexican restaurant in Itaewon, Yongsan District Seoul, Friday. Korea Times photo by Na Gwang-hyun

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.