Los Angeles’ Koreatown is preparing to transform into a sea of red this June. As the 2026 FIFA World Cup—co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico—approaches, a coalition of local Korean-American organizations has officially launched a preparation committee to host a series of massive outdoor viewing parties and cheering events for the South Korean national team.
On March 4, the “2026 World Cup LA Korean Preparation Committee,” comprising 16 major community organizations, held an inauguration ceremony at the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles. Led by five executive organizations including the KAFLA (Korean American Federation of Los Angeles) and the LA Korean Chamber of Commerce, the committee has already secured significant funding and support from the Consulate General to ensure a world-class fan experience.
Official Match Schedule and Locations
The joint cheering events are strategically planned around South Korea’s group stage matches:
-
Match 1 (June 11, 7:00 PM PT): The first event will take place at Liberty Park (Wilshire Grass Plaza) near Wilshire Blvd. and Serrano Ave. A massive screen will be installed to accommodate an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 fans. A portion of Serrano Avenue will be closed to make room for food trucks and corporate sponsorship booths.
-
Match 2 (June 18): Against Mexico, the cheering will move to Irolo Street, between San Marino St. and Olympic Blvd., near Seoul International Park. This particular event will be a joint celebration with the Hispanic community, featuring dedicated seating areas for both fanbases and high-definition LED trailer screens.
-
Match 3 (June 24, 6:00 PM PT): Against South Africa, the festivities return to Liberty Park, following the same format as the opening match.
Community Unity and Safety Measures
Under the slogan “United LA, United REDS!”, the committee aims to foster a sense of belonging and community pride. Edview, the marketing agency behind the official logo, announced that recruitment for the “Red Devils” official cheering squad will begin in April. To ensure public safety, the committee has coordinated with the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) for on-site security and traffic control.
In tandem with these events, The Korea Daily will launch a major street-side campaign. Starting in May, 120 decorative banners featuring the South Korean flag and cheering messages will be installed on lamp posts across four major corridors in Koreatown. These banners will stay up for two months, highlighting the community’s vibrant support for the tournament.
[By Kyungjoon Kim]
