South Korea expect home-ground roar as Mexico fans rally behind them for World Cup decider

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo is anticipating a home-like atmosphere when his side takes on South Africa in their final World Cup Group A fixture in Monterrey on Wednesday, buoyed by the passionate support Mexican fans have shown the Taeguk Warriors throughout the tournament.

“We may feel like this is our home ground tomorrow, and that is a very big gift to our players,” said Hong, who captained the South Korea side that reached the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup on home soil. “We will use that very well so we can play a good game tomorrow.”

The roots of this cross-cultural alliance run deep. At the 2018 World Cup, South Korea stunned Germany 2-0 in a result that sent Mexico through to the round of 16. Mexican fans famously marched to South Korea’s consulate in Monterrey to celebrate, chanting “Coreano, hermano, ya eres Mexicano” — “Korean brother, you are now Mexican.” The moment cemented a bond between the two football communities that has only grown since.

That bond has a tangible presence in Monterrey itself. The city is home to an estimated 5,000 South Korean immigrants, many of whom settled in the Pesquería area east of Monterrey National Airport following the establishment of a KIA Motors plant and other Korean businesses in the region.

Travelling fans from Seoul have already felt the warmth. “Mexican fans have a lot of energy — more energy than us,” said Lee Ha-young, who made the trip from South Korea. “We have the same energy in our hearts, but it’s really hard to express because in Korean culture it’s not easy to express our feelings.”

South Korea’s placement in Group A means all three of their group-stage games are being played in Mexico, the co-host nation alongside the United States and Canada. After beating Czech Republic 2-1 in their opener in Guadalajara before losing 1-0 to Mexico, South Korea sit second in the group on three points. South Africa and Czech Republic are level on one point each following a 1-1 draw.

A win or a draw against South Africa will be enough for South Korea to advance to the knockout stage. South Africa, by contrast, must win to guarantee their survival in the tournament.

Should South Korea finish second in the group, they would travel to Los Angeles for a round of 32 match against the Group B runner-up — a city with a Korean-American population of more than 300,000. For now, though, the travelling supporters are in no hurry to leave.

“We might have to go to the U.S. for the round of 32,” Lee said. “But I don’t want to leave. I want to stay here in Mexico.”