As South Korea prepares for its final Group A World Cup clash against South Africa in Monterrey, Mexico, head coach Hong Myung-bo says his side is set to receive an extraordinary boost: a raucous, home-field-style atmosphere built on years of cross-cultural football camaraderie. The warm welcome is no accident, tracing back to a historic 2018 World Cup upset that forged an unbreakable bond between fans of the two nations.
When South Korea stunned defending champion Germany 2-0 four years ago, the result unexpectedly pushed Mexico through to the tournament’s knockout round. Overjoyed Mexican fans took to the streets outside South Korea’s Monterrey consulate, celebrating with a chant that has since become a symbol of the friendship: “Coreano, hermano, ya eres Mexicano” — “Korean brother, you are now Mexican.” That moment of gratitude has blossomed into sustained support for the South Korean national team during this co-hosted World Cup, which is being held across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Hong, who knows high-stakes World Cup football well as captain of South Korea’s iconic 2002 semifinal squad, says the outpouring of support from local fans is an unexpected gift for his players. After seeing Mexican fans turn out in force to back the Taeguk Warriors during their opening 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in Guadalajara, Hong is expecting an equally enthusiastic crowd for Wednesday’s decisive match.
“We may feel like this is our home ground tomorrow, and that is a very big gift to our players,” Hong said. “We will use that very well so we can play a good game tomorrow.”
Beyond visiting traveling supporters, the Monterrey region already has deep ties to South Korea. Roughly 5,000 South Korean immigrants have settled in the area, most clustered in the Pesquería district just east of Monterrey National Airport. The community grew after South Korean automotive manufacturer KIA Motors opened a major local plant, drawing workers and businesses that strengthened economic and cultural links between the two countries. This tournament’s draw put all of South Korea’s group stage matches in Mexican host cities, cementing the team’s connection to the region ahead of the decisive clash.
For visiting fans like Lee Ha-young, who traveled all the way from Seoul to support the team, the warmth of Mexican hospitality has already turned the country into a home away from home. While the two fan cultures differ — Mexican fans are far more outwardly expressive of their passion than the more reserved cultural norm in South Korea, Lee notes — shared love of the game has erased any divides.
“Mexican fans have a lot of energy – more energy than us,” Lee said. “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.”
Lee added that many traveling South Korean supporters initially hoped the team would play at least one group stage match in the United States, where star Son Heung-min plays club football for LAFC. But the warm welcome from Mexican fans has changed all those expectations. “But the Mexican people have been really warm to us, so now I think tomorrow we will feel like home here in Monterrey,” she said.
The stakes of Wednesday’s match could not be higher for both sides. Following a narrow 1-0 loss to host Mexico in their second group fixture, South Korea currently sits second in Group A with three points from two matches. South Africa and the Czech Republic are tied on one point apiece after playing out a 1-1 draw in their opening encounter. A win or even a draw will be enough for South Korea to lock in a spot in the knockout round, while South Africa must secure a full three points to guarantee it avoids elimination.
If South Korea holds on to second place in the group, it will advance to a Round of 32 match in Los Angeles — a destination that would offer another comfortable, familiar setting for the team. The Los Angeles metro area is home to more than 300,000 Korean-Americans, who would likely turn out in force to support the national side. Still, for visiting fans like Lee, there’s something special about the welcome in Mexico that makes the experience unforgettable.
“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.”