Mexican fans in Guadalajara are chanting support for South Korea ahead of a World Cup group-stage match against the Czech Republic [1].
The surge of local support highlights the global appeal of the tournament and the specific popularity of the South Korean squad in Mexico. Such atmospheric advantages can influence player morale as teams navigate the high-pressure environment of the group stages.
Reporting from the stadium on Friday, YTN correspondent Yang Si-chang said Mexican fans were chanting "Kkorea" to cheer for the visiting side [1]. The festive atmosphere was captured approximately 30 minutes before the scheduled kickoff [1].
South Korea's starting lineup features several key players. Son Heung-min will lead the attack as the lone striker, while Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, and Hwang In-beom have been named to the starting lineup [1].
Other notable inclusions in the starting 11 include Baek Seung-ho and Lee Ki-hyuk, who both earned surprise starts [1]. Kim Seung-kyu will start in goal for the team [1].
The match takes place in Guadalajara, where the local crowd has embraced the South Korean side despite the team playing a European opponent [1]. The pre-match energy reflects a broader trend of neutral fans adopting teams based on star power or cultural ties during the tournament.
“Mexican fans were chanting "Kkorea" to cheer for the visiting side”
The presence of strong local support in Mexico for a South Korean team suggests a significant cultural and sporting bridge between the two nations. For South Korea, playing in a friendly atmosphere reduces the psychological burden of an away match, potentially providing a competitive edge in a critical group-stage fixture where every single point impacts advancement to the knockout rounds.
