Thousands of South Koreans in Los Angeles Celebrate World Cup

Thousands of South Korean fans gathered in Los Angeles on June 12, 2026, to watch the South Korean national team compete in the FIFA World Cup. According to ANSA, the supporters assembled before a large public screen to cheer for the national squad during the tournament.

Why did South Korean fans gather in Los Angeles?

The gathering was organized to support the South Korean national team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Los Angeles is one of the host cities for the tournament, which is being held jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to ANSA, the event drew thousands of people to a public viewing area featuring a large screen.

The presence of a large South Korean community in Los Angeles, particularly in the Koreatown district, provided a concentrated base of supporters. These fans often organize large-scale public screenings for major international sporting events to maintain a communal atmosphere similar to that found in Seoul.

How does the 2026 World Cup structure impact these gatherings?

The 2026 tournament features an expanded format with 48 teams, up from the 32 teams used in previous editions. This increase in participating nations creates more matches across more host cities, including Los Angeles, where games are scheduled at SoFi Stadium. According to FIFA, the expanded format is designed to increase global representation and accessibility.

Because the tournament is spread across three North American countries, fans often congregate in cities that host matches even if their specific team isn’t playing in that venue. The concentration of fans in Los Angeles on June 12 reflects the city’s role as a primary hub for the tournament’s infrastructure and international visitors.

What is the significance of the South Korean presence in LA?

South Korean football supporters, known as the “Red Devils,” have a history of organizing massive public viewing events. This tradition typically involves wearing red clothing and using synchronized cheering. The festive environment reported by ANSA in Los Angeles mirrors the large-scale street parties that occur in South Korea during World Cup cycles.

The event in Los Angeles serves as a cultural bridge for the diaspora. By gathering at a maxischermo, or large screen, fans create a localized version of the national experience. This pattern of support has been seen in previous tournaments where the South Korean team performed well, turning host cities into temporary hubs of national pride.

The festivities on June 12 occurred during the group stage of the competition. In this phase, every match is critical for determining which teams advance to the knockout rounds. The high turnout in Los Angeles indicates a strong level of engagement from the local community during the opening weeks of the tournament.