Mexicans are anxiously waiting for the second game against South Korea

The FIFA Men’s World Cup 2026 is gaining momentum as all the countries have finished their first group stage match. The second of three games begins this Thursday. At 6 p.m., the most expected game of the day is Mexico v. South Korea.

This game is especially emotional for Mexicans and Koreans as they share a special bond since the World Cup 2018, when South Korea beat Germany 2-0 in the final group stage match and helped Mexico reach the round of 16. Sweden had defeated Mexico 3-0.

Since that moment, Mexicans started the chant “Coreano, hermano, ya eres Mexicano,” which is now very popular. 

In the U.S., the match is also extremely important for Mexicans, not just because Mexico is one of the host countries, but also because Mexicans are the largest single Latino group living in the country, at about 40 million, or 57%, according to the Pew Research Center. 

In metropolitan areas, Mexicans also lead in population. For example, in the Los Angeles metro area, 74% of Latinos are of Mexican origin and 85% in the Riverside metro area. People of Mexican origin also account for around three-quarters of the Latino population in the Chicago (75%) and Dallas metro areas (77%), according to the Pew Research Center. 

So far, Mexico and South Korea are leading Group A after Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 and South Korea beat Czechia 2-1. 

In this World Cup, for the first time all 12 groups will generate a third-place team, and the best eight-performing third places will move to the knockout stage. 

Where to watch the game

The non-stop watch parties have been going on since the beginning of the World Cup on June 11, when Mexico beat South Africa 2-0.

Now, in SoCal, there are several watch parties to enjoy fútbol in a comfortable and celebratory atmosphere among communities.

One of them is in downtown L.A. at the Victory House World Cup Watch Party at Gloria Molina Grand Hope Park located at 919 S. Grand Avenue, with the main sponsor being No Ice in the Cup.

Organizers said people can enjoy food, drinks, music, art, and the most expected game while standing “together to ensure our neighbors and friends from across the globe feel welcome and safe during this historic tournament in our host city.”

In Long Beach, L.A. Galaxy and the City of Long Beach will host a series of games in downtown Long Beach Pine Avenue district. The soccer celebration will happen every day until June 27 on the corner of Pine Ave. and Broadway. Besides showing matches on the big screen, the celebration includes a chill zone, DJs, face painting, big screening, giveaways, food and drinks for people 21 and over. 

For the Southeast L.A. (SELA) area, the City of Bell Gardens will host a public viewing event at Veterans Park. Activities will kick off at 3 pm, including a World Cup sticker collector gathering before the game. Organizers are encouraging all fans to gather at the park located at 6662 Loveland St., and connect with fellow fans to trade Panini stickers and grow your collection.

There will also be a beer garden for people 21 and over. Fans interested must present a valid ID to enter the designated beer garden area. 

In the Koreatown area, fans can watch the game at the Seoul Park at 3250 San Marino St. This is part of the City of Los Angeles-sponsored community watch parties, Kick it in the Park, a partnership between the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, Los Angeles Council Districts, and Los Angeles Recreation and Parks.

Kick it in the Park will show more than 100 FIFA matches to ensure the World Cup reaches every corner of the city, from the Valley to the Harbor and from Westside to East L.A. to enjoy the World Cup games for free. 

The events will include large LED screens to watch matches live, interactive soccer clinics and immersive activities that celebrate the 48 nations competing in the tournament. Each site will offer Angelenos a front-row seat to the excitement that the FIFA World Cup brings.

Find the full schedule, additional celebrations, and key information at kickit.lacity.gov  

In Orange County, the Great Park at Irvine will show U.S. Men's National Soccer matches on a large LED screen. Gates open one hour before kickoff, free admission, but people must register at greatparklive.com.

There will be food and beverages available for purchase and people are encouraged to take their low-back chairs and blankets. This park is the official training ground for the USA team.