'I like how the Koreans play': Foreigners at home among fans at World Cup watch party in downtown Seoul

Even from central Seoul's Gwanghwamun Station, deep underground, the beating drums and roaring crowds could be heard. 

People of all different nationalities filed out of Subway Line 5 towards the plaza, most donning Korean football regalia, holding placards and batons.

Above, the Taeguk Warriors' first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 was about to kick off. 

The crowd was a sea of red, with many wearing the team's official jersey and makeshift hats of the same variety. People also held Korean flags, and some wore larger versions as capes.

Gwanghwamun Square is hosting multiple watch parties as the national team competes in the World Cup. Thousands of supporters piled into the plaza to watch the first match. Foreigners also turned out to passionately support the team. 

Theo, an exchange student from Germany, loves the game of football. When asked if he was here to support his Czech neighbors, he gave a surprising answer. 

"I'm supporting Korea. I'm here for an exchange at Seojang, and I love Korea, and that's why I support Korea. We're going to watch every watch-along we can." 

Living in Korea has made Theo feel strongly connected to the team, he said. He also plays for an amateur club. 

Theo thinks today will decide Korea's chances in the World Cup. 

"Today will decide the rest of the tournament because Czech is the strongest team out of the group."

"I like how the Koreans play football," Theo said, "I'm here to support them."

Teams of drummers thumped along to popular chants, and the crowd boomed as the match kicked off. 

Despite blistering heat, thousands gathered to watch the match on huge screens stretching along Gwanghwamun's high rises. 

The Seoul Metropolitan Government estimated that between 16,000 and 18,000 people gathered at Gwanghwamun Square as of 1 p.m. 

James Seidelin, from New Zealand, is traveling through Korea after finishing university. Asked if he supports Korea, he gave a definitive answer. "Absolutely, how could you not?"

He thought there was a good chance Korea would win on Friday.

Angus Williams, another New Zealander, is also here in support of Korea. As an avid fan of football, he said he can't find the same passion for the sport back home. "You've gotta love the atmosphere, you can't find that back home."

"We've been to Rugby games back home, but it's nothing like this," Williams said. Rugby is the biggest sport in New Zealand. "The chants, the kits, shutting down the road for a game, it's awesome." 

As the match continued, the crowd rose to a fever pitch time and again as Son Heung-min, the captain, came closer and closer to scoring a goal.

When the ball soared just wide of the net, the crowd let out exasperated sighs of anguish; the tension was palpable.

Justin Goldsmith and Hindson Her are from the United States but live in Korea. They thought the Warriors could take an easy win.

"2-1 to Korea, easy," said Goldsmith.

"I've been here for almost 15 years," said Her. "I've seen so much growth in the international community and local community here. I love Korea."

Her said it was great to see the country get together around the game.

When Korea finally scored, the joyous howl of the crowd was deafening, the enthusiasm and pride for the team evident to all.

Goldsmith's predictions proved right, with Korea winning 2-1 over their Czech opponents, highlighting the team's prowess in defeating a European opponent historically seen to be dominant on the world stage.

BY FERGUS GOODALL SMITH [[email protected]]