"I want to see Lee Kang-in score the winner" ... Yeouido turns red ahead of Czech Republic match [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] Yeouido in Seoul turned red as a cheering event was held ahead of the South Korea national football team's opening match against the Czech Republic at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North and Central America.
At around 10 a.m. on the 12th, hundreds of people gathered at the cheering event hosted by Korea Investment & Securities in front of its headquarters in Yeouido, Seoul. The organizer estimated that as many as 1,000 people, including standing spectators, would attend, with 450 seats prepared.
The venue was packed with Red Devils wearing the national team's home jersey. Football fans in jerseys of their favorite club teams, including FC Seoul, Manchester United F.C., and FC Bayern Munich, also stood out.
After taking part in a social networking service (SNS) follow event organized by Korea Investment & Securities, they received white caps and cheering sticks at the on-site booth. Alongside the cheering area, the company also handed out prizes such as handheld fans and folding fans, and it offered coupons that could be exchanged for coffee, iced tea, churros, and other items at nearby food trucks.

Son Mo, 38, who works at a nearby securities firm, said, "I took a half-day off this morning, and I’m so excited." He added, "I want to see Lee Kang-in break through the tall Czech players, score the winner, and then celebrate in style."
Lee Mo, 24, a student at Chung-Ang University (CAU), said, "It was a day without major classes, so I came here with my university friends wearing matching national team jerseys." She added, "I’ve been going through a tough job-hunting period, so my mind has been heavy. But coming to such a lively place after a long time feels like a breath of fresh air. I hope they shake off the curse of the opening match, win for sure, and advance to the round of 32 in first place in the group."
Just before the match, a quiz event was also held with an announcer leading the program. When the announcer asked for the name of the national team's vice captain, a young boy wearing a Red Devils headband raised his hand and shouted, "Lee Jae-sung." The child, who answered correctly and received gifts including a fan, said, "I expect us to win 2-1." He added, "Son Heung-min is my favorite player, but I think Lee Kang-in and Oh Hyeon-gyu will score."

psh@fnnews.com Park Sung-hyun Reporter