Korean communities across US unite behind S. Korea in World Cup

SEATTLE — Korean community organizations and businesses across the United States organized watch parties for Thursday's World Cup group stage match between South Korea and Mexico, building on the enthusiasm that drew fans to similar gatherings during the team's opening victory over Czechia last week. From Seattle and Los Angeles to New York, Korean Americans have turned restaurants, community centers and public venues into gathering places for supporters eager to cheer on the national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the Seattle area, local Korean organizations hosted public viewing events for South Korea's tournament opener against Czechia last Thursday and planned additional gatherings for the Mexico match.

The largest event was scheduled at Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheatre, an outdoor venue near the iconic Space Needle that regularly hosts major public festivals and cultural events. The gathering carried added significance in Seattle, one of the host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Organizers combined the watch party with K-pop performances and other cultural activitie