Seoul Metropolitan Government urges caution over heat wave risks

Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean national soccer team competing in the 2026 North America World Cup, trains at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 8 (local time). [Yonhap]
Son Heung-min, captain of the South Korean national soccer team competing in the 2026 North America World Cup, trains at Chivas Valle Verde in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, on June 8 (local time). [Yonhap]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government is urging residents to use public transportation and follow heat safety guidelines as large crowds are expected to gather at Gwanghwamun Square for public screenings of South Korea's 2026 North America World Cup matches.

The street cheering events will begin Friday with South Korea's group-stage opener against the Czech Republic at 11 a.m., followed by the Mexico match on June 19 at 10 a.m. and the South Africa match on June 25 at 10 a.m. — all times in Korean Standard Time. The North America World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada, runs from Friday through July 20 (Korean Standard Time). The national team, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, has set its sights on reaching the quarterfinals for the first time in an away tournament.

Crowds gathering for the early-morning matches are expected to overlap with the morning commute, concentrating unusually large numbers of people around Gwanghwamun Square, Sejongno, Jongno and nearby subway stations and bus stops.

"Commuters heading to the Gwanghwamun and Jongno areas should plan to leave earlier than usual and consider using public transportation to avoid congestion," a Seoul city official said. "Hot weather is forecast on the day of the event, so people spending extended time outdoors should stay well hydrated and minimize sun exposure by using parasols, hats and similar items."

The Korea Football Association, KT Corp and the Red Devils supporters' group, as joint organizers of the "2026 North America World Cup Gwanghwamun Square Cheering" events, plan to deploy safety personnel on-site and operate emergency medical support and heat response measures.

Further details about the events are available from the organizing secretariat, as well as through the official Instagram accounts of the Korea Football Association and the Red Devils.


cook@heraldcorp.com