"I Never Expected Mexicans to Love South Korea This Much"... Local Media Also Surprised by the Passionate Support for Korea [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] The night at Guadalajara Stadium was both hot and strangely surreal.
The energy generated by South Korean and Mexican soccer fans together felt almost like a home match for South Korea. But this beautiful case of temporary allies has a clear expiration date. On the 19th, the 40,000 or so spectators who cheered so loudly for the Taegeuk Warriors will instantly turn into their most threatening enemy.
Mexican outlet El Informador gave prominent coverage on the 13th to the atmosphere at the Group Stage opener between South Korea and the Czech Republic, which was played the day before. The outlet marveled that "the 44,985 fans who filled Guadalajara Stadium were completely on South Korea's side. Tapatio residents applauded South Korea's play, and when Son Heung-min's name was announced, a huge roar broke out that completely overwhelmed the Czech Republic's momentum." A rare scene also unfolded as Mexican fans responded to the Korean chant "Dae~han Minguk" with "Olé!"

But the mood will now change completely. South Korea's next opponent after beating the Czech Republic in its opening match is host nation Mexico. The passionate home support in Guadalajara that helped the Taegeuk Warriors in the first match will now be directed entirely at the Mexican national team. The wave cheers that filled the stadium are likely to turn into deafening boos. For Hong Myung-bo's South Korea national football team, this is the real test: they must erase the afterglow of their opening victory and prepare for a far harsher atmosphere.
Ahead of the huge showdown, the Taegeuk Warriors take a brief pause to regroup. After focusing on recovery at the training ground on the 13th, the squad enjoyed a short but sweet break on the 14th with their families, who had traveled with them to the local area. It was a precious moment to shed the heavy pressure of wearing the Taegeuk Mark and return, if only briefly, to being someone's dependable husband, father, or son.


For a moment, away from the fierce world of competition, they too remain on the path of ordinary life. They find comfort in holding the hands of wives and aging parents who have quietly supported them from far away. And the tiny Adidas Predator soccer shoes worn by a seven-year-old child, kicking a ball awkwardly while following his father, can be a better source of motivation than any tactical plan from a master coach.
Like the weight carried every day by South Korea's men in their 40s and 50s, the shoulders of those who wear the national team badge are always heavy.
But after recharging their warmth and devotion within the strong shelter of family, Hong Myung-bo's South Korea national football team now tightens its shoelaces again and heads back to Guadalajara Stadium on the 19th, where today's ally will be tomorrow's enemy.
jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter