Residents of Guadalajara, Mexico, are supporting the South Korea national football team two days [1] before the start of the 2026 [1] World Cup.

This surge of support highlights the expanding global influence of South Korean cultural exports, blending athletic admiration with a broader fascination with East Asian pop culture.

Local enthusiasm has centered on the plaza in front of the Guadalajara Cathedral. In this public space, Mexican residents have been seen wearing South Korean jerseys to show their allegiance. The support extends beyond humans, with reports of local dogs also wearing the team's football kits [1].

The attraction to the team is closely tied to the individual success of star player Son Heung-min. Fans in the city have expressed a deep admiration for Son and his achievements on the pitch, viewing him as a primary draw for the national team.

Beyond football, the enthusiasm is fueled by a wider love for K-pop. This intersection of sports and entertainment has created a unique cultural bridge in Guadalajara, where the popularity of Korean music and media reinforces the support for the national team [1].

A local sports-media journalist said the phenomenon is a result of the general charm of South Korea and the widespread appeal of its cultural icons. The journalist said that the combination of Son Heung-min's athletic prowess and the global reach of K-pop has made the team a favorite among the local population [1].

As the 2026 [1] North-Central America World Cup begins, the presence of these fans in Mexico suggests that the tournament's reach extends beyond traditional national borders, creating unexpected pockets of international support in host cities.

“Mexican residents have been seen wearing South Korean jerseys to show their allegiance.”

The emergence of a South Korean fan base in Guadalajara illustrates the 'Hallyu' or Korean Wave's ability to transcend music and film, influencing sports fandom in regions where South Korea does not have a traditional footballing foothold. By leveraging the celebrity of Son Heung-min and the popularity of K-pop, South Korea is expanding its soft power and cultural diplomacy ahead of a major global event.