Flags of participating nations are displayed at the opening ceremony held ahead of the season opener between Mexico and South Africa at a stadium in Mexico City on Thursday (local time). [Yonhap]
Flags of participating nations are displayed at the opening ceremony held ahead of the season opener between Mexico and South Africa at a stadium in Mexico City on Thursday (local time). [Yonhap]

The Ministry of Interior and Safety said Friday it will strengthen on-site safety management at Gwanghwamun Square in Seoul for street cheering events during South Korea's matches at the 2026 North America World Cup, working alongside the Seoul Metropolitan Government, Jongno-gu, and police and fire department authorities.

As the first street cheering event of the tournament, officials said they will closely monitor potential hazards and maintain active situation management throughout.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Authorities will focus on managing congestion at nearby subway stations and venue entrances during the morning commute, then shift attention to crowd density around lunchtime as office workers from surrounding areas are expected to join.

To prevent heat-related illness in the summer heat, rest areas and water will be provided on-site. Medical response teams will be on standby to respond immediately to any suspected cases.

The ministry said it plans to maintain the same safety management framework with relevant agencies at subsequent street cheering events on June 19 and June 25.

"A safe street cheering experience is made possible through the attention and participation of the public," said Cho Deok-jin, director general of the ministry's Social Disaster Management Office. "We ask everyone to actively comply with on-site safety rules and help maintain order."


thlee@heraldcorp.com