{"id":1406,"date":"2026-06-19T23:30:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-19T23:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/asianewscast.com\/2026\/06\/19\/world-cup-fever-sweeps-seoul-as-south-korea-prepares-for-mexico-clash\/"},"modified":"2026-06-19T23:30:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-19T23:30:20","slug":"world-cup-fever-sweeps-seoul-as-south-korea-prepares-for-mexico-clash","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406","title":{"rendered":"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\">\n<section data-title=\"Leaderboard  01 Article\" class=\"block block-ad-entity block-ad-displayleaderboard-01-article clearfix\">\n<div class=\"block-title\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-j0pF7OTAR98\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"lb01_mobile\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;small&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-sPogdk6rUDA\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"lb01_tablet\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;medium&quot;,&quot;mobile-ios&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-85RzZ_kpeNI\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"lb01_desktop\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;large&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-EHZXS_lJUpI\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"lb01_mobile_android\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;mobile-android&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-BJC05N3guww\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"lb01_tablet_android\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;tablet-android&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-XP6IZNm5G1o\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"lb01_tablet_ios\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;tablet-ios&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\">\n<section data-title=\"Content Details\" class=\"block block-mc-content-detail block-content-details clearfix article-detail-title-block\">\n<div data-title=\"Content Details\" class=\"content-detail block block-mc-content-detail block-content-details clearfix article-detail-title-block\">\n<p class=\"content-detail__category\">\n<a class=\"link\" href=\"\/east-asia\"><br \/>\n      East Asia<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n    <\/p>\n<h1 class=\"h1 h1--page-title\">\n      World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash<br \/>\n  <\/h1>\n<div class=\"content-detail__description\">\n<p>Businesses in the country\u2019s capital have reported a surge in interest following the national team\u2019s victory against the Czech Republic last week.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--75-25\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--first\">\n<section data-title=\"Hero Emphasis\" class=\"block detail-hero-media block-mc-hero-emphasis block-hero-emphasis clearfix\">\n<figure data-title=\"Hero Emphasis\" class=\"figure block detail-hero-media block-mc-hero-emphasis block-hero-emphasis clearfix\" data-img-id=\"\">\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--kk6Ny7we--\/c_crop,h_898,w_1596,x_3,y_301\/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2021-08:cna,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2026\/06\/18\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg.jpeg?itok=hZ4dPk4n\" alt=\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash\" title=\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash\"><figcaption class=\"figure__caption\">\n<p>A World Cup fan zone in Seoul. (Photo: CNA\/Lim Yun Suk)<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Text to speech\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-text-to-speech clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"mc-text-to-speech-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"new-feature-wizard\">\n    <span class=\"new-feature-wizard__text\"><br \/>\n        New: You can now listen to articles.<br \/>\n        <span class=\"new-feature-wizard__close\"><\/p>\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/close.svg\"><\/p>\n<p>        <\/span><br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"text-to-speech-caption\">\n       This audio is generated by an AI tool.\n    <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--second\">\n<section data-title=\"Byline\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-author clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"author-card author-card--author-info-block\">\n<div class=\"author-card__figure\">\n            <a href=\"\/author\/lim-yun-suk\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--0QdibNgb--\/f_auto,q_auto\/lim-yun-suk---byline_0.jpg?itok=uQvQGaqE\"><br \/>\n<\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n<div class=\"author-card__content\">\n<div class=\"author-card__body\">\n<div class=\"author-card__author-name\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 h6--author-name\">\n<a class=\"h6__link\" href=\"\/author\/lim-yun-suk\"><br \/>\n      Lim Yun Suk<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"author-card author-card--author-info-block\">\n<div class=\"author-card__figure\">\n            <a href=\"\/author\/louisa-tang\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--B0NlUWa6--\/c_crop,h_998,w_998,x_0,y_86\/c_fill,g_faces:auto,h_140,w_140\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2023\/03\/10\/louisa_tang_01.jpg?itok=rtrSp1MA\"><br \/>\n<\/a>\n                  <\/div>\n<div class=\"author-card__content\">\n<div class=\"author-card__body\">\n<div class=\"author-card__author-name\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 h6--author-name\">\n<a class=\"h6__link\" href=\"\/author\/louisa-tang\"><br \/>\n      Louisa Tang<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Content share and bookmark\" class=\"block block-mc-content-share-bookmark block-content-share-bookmark clearfix\">\n<div data-title=\"Content share and bookmark\" class=\"mobile_author_card block block-mc-content-share-bookmark block-content-share-bookmark clearfix\">\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__image-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__image mobile_author_card__image--\">\n<a class=\"link\" href=\"\/author\/louisa-tang\"><\/p>\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--cOTTeeWH--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2023\/03\/10\/louisa_tang_01.jpg?h=179c11a6&amp;itok=lKt0uNUF\" alt=\"Louisa Tang\" title=\"Louisa Tang\"><\/p>\n<p>                <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__image mobile_author_card__image--\">\n<a class=\"link\" href=\"\/author\/lim-yun-suk\"><\/p>\n<p>      <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--_ORH2ov3--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/lim-yun-suk---byline_0.jpg?itok=lq84NFGv\" alt=\"Lim Yun Suk\" title=\"Lim Yun Suk\"><\/p>\n<p>                <\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"mobile_author_card__name\">\n<a class=\"link link--author-profile\" href=\"\/author\/lim-yun-suk\"><br \/>\n      Lim Yun Suk<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n                             &amp;<br \/>\n<a class=\"link link--author-profile\" href=\"\/author\/louisa-tang\"><br \/>\n      Louisa Tang<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-publish article-publish--\">\n        18 Jun 2026 04:22PM\n      <\/div>\n<div class=\"js-popup-content with-authors\">\n<div class=\"bookmark-share\">\n<div class=\"bookmark-share-icon\">\n<a class=\"link bookmark-link\" data-uuid=\"ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3\" data-nid=\"6192476\" href=\";\"><\/p>\n<p>  <span class=\"link__text visually-hidden\"><br \/>\n    Bookmark<br \/>\n  <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link bookmark-link-anonymous hidden\" href=\"\/profile\/sso\/login?redirect_url=\/east-asia\/world-cup-2026-south-korea-football-fever-seoul-businesses-surge-interest-6192476&amp;bookmark=ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3\"><\/p>\n<p>  <span class=\"link__text visually-hidden\"><br \/>\n    Bookmark<br \/>\n  <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link trigger-popup trigger-popup--share\" data-link_absolute=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/east-asia\/world-cup-2026-south-korea-football-fever-seoul-businesses-surge-interest-6192476?cid=internal_sharetool_web_20062026_cna\" data-category=\"East Asia\" data-category_url=\"\/east-asia\" data-heading=\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash\" data-link=\"\/east-asia\/world-cup-2026-south-korea-football-fever-seoul-businesses-surge-interest-6192476\" href=\";\"><\/p>\n<p>  <span class=\"link__text visually-hidden\"><br \/>\n    Share<br \/>\n  <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<div class=\"a2a-share-link a2a_kit\" data-a2a-url=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/east-asia\/world-cup-2026-south-korea-football-fever-seoul-businesses-surge-interest-6192476?cid=internal_sharetool_web_20062026_cna\" data-a2a-title=\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash\">\n<a class=\"link a2a_button_whatsapp\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"\/#whatsapp\"><\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"link__text a2a_label\"><br \/>\n        WhatsApp<br \/>\n      <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link a2a_button_telegram\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"\/#telegram\"><\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"link__text a2a_label\"><br \/>\n        Telegram<br \/>\n      <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link a2a_button_facebook\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"\/#facebook\"><\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"link__text a2a_label\"><br \/>\n        Facebook<br \/>\n      <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link a2a_button_twitter\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"\/#twitter\"><\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"link__text a2a_label\"><br \/>\n        Twitter<br \/>\n      <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link a2a_button_email\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"\/#email\"><\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"link__text a2a_label\"><br \/>\n        Email<br \/>\n      <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link a2a_button_linkedin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" href=\"\/#linkedin\"><\/p>\n<p>      <span class=\"link__text a2a_label\"><br \/>\n        LinkedIn<br \/>\n      <\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"google-preferred__button-wrapper hidden\">\n<button class=\"button button--google-preferred\" aria-label=\"button\"><\/p>\n<p>  <span class=\"link__text\">Set CNA as your preferred source on Google<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"google-preferred__information-wrapper\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"google-preferred__tooltip-wrapper hidden\">\n<div class=\"google-preferred__tooltip-body\">\n      Add CNA as a trusted source to help Google better understand and surface our content in search results.\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container\">\n<div class=\"js-view-dom-id-d43f12d3716c3bf510833a86edb67627eb57406966d1d27385927a3f5d1600cb\">\n<div class=\"sponsors\">\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout layout--twocol-section layout--twocol-section--75-25\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--first\">\n<section data-title=\"Mediacorp Fast Button\" class=\"block block-mc-shorts block-mc-fast-button clearfix\">\n<section class=\"block block- clearfix\">\n<div class=\"mc-fast-button hidden block block- clearfix\">\n<div class=\"mc-fast-button__body\">\n<div class=\"mc-fast-button__text\">\n                    Read a summary of this article on FAST.\n                <\/div>\n<div class=\"mc-fast-button__button-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"fast-button__wrapper hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-button__tooltip-fast-home-button\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__body\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__label\">\n              <span><br \/>\n           Get bite-sized news via a new<br \/>cards interface. Give it a try.<br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__close-button\" role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-button__tooltip-fast-back-button\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__body\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__label\">\n              <span class=\"fast-tooltip__non-touch\"> Click here to return to FAST <\/span><br \/>\n        <span class=\"fast-tooltip__touch\"> Tap here to return to FAST <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__close-button\" role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <a title=\"FAST\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/fast\/6192476\" class=\"fast-button\"><br \/>\n               FAST <\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Content\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-content clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>SEOUL: Ryu Je-ha does not typically put on a national team jersey and cheer on his countrymen \u2013 but South Korea&#8217;s winning start to the FIFA World Cup has changed that.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>\u201cI&#8217;m normally not interested enough to wear a jersey and cheer. But this World Cup has been exciting and I like the jersey design, so I wanted to support the team by wearing one,\u201d the Seoul resident told CNA while shopping at a merchandise store in\u00a0<\/span>the trendy<span> Seongsu district.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>\u201cI would also like to experience the atmosphere of being with a lot of people and cheering together,\u201d added Ryu, who plans to head to Gwanghwamun Square in the heart of Seoul for\u00a0<\/span>Friday\u2019s<span> (Jun 19) match against Mexico.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>World Cup fever is building across the South Korean capital as the national team prepares for its second group-stage match.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>From fan events and merchandise sales to live match screenings at restaurants, businesses have reported a surge in interest following <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/sport\/world-cup-south-korea-win-czech-republic-6178506\"><span>the Taegeuk Warriors&#8217; victory against the Czech Republic<\/span><\/a><span> last week.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"in-article-games trimmed-content\">\n<div class=\"game-list-header\">CNA Games<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-list\">\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/guess-word\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Guess Word\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--9rksCQgs--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_wordrow_-_light_mode.png?itok=y_y6Lkrj\" alt=\"Guess Word\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Guess Word<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Crack the word, one row at a time<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/buzzword\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Buzzword\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--rNELTwDG--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_buzzword_-_light_mode.png?itok=gjNCaVEc\" alt=\"Buzzword\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Buzzword<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Create words using the given letters<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/mini-sudoku\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Mini Sudoku\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--cDNZgbXf--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_mini_sudoku_-_light_mode.png?itok=XJMtZA-S\" alt=\"Mini Sudoku\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Mini Sudoku<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Tiny puzzle, mighty brain teaser<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/mini-crossword\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Mini Crossword\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--vQydxQJa--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_mini_crossword_-_light_mode.png?itok=xnGbWUBS\" alt=\"Mini Crossword\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Mini Crossword<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Small grid, big challenge<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a><br \/>\n              <a class=\"game-tile\" href=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/games\/word-search\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"game-img\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Word Search\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--lVhq9IJO--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_100,w_100\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/12\/03\/game_icon_-_word_search_-_light_mode.png?itok=J7DBf8e2\" alt=\"Word Search\">\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"game-desc\">\n<div class=\"game-title\">Word Search<\/div>\n<div class=\"game-abt\">Spot as many words as you can<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>        <\/a>\n          <\/div>\n<div class=\"in-article-games__full-story-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"in-article-games__full-story-button-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"in-article-games__full-story-button\" href=\";\"><br \/>\n      Show More<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"in-article-games__full-story-button-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"in-article-games__full-story-less-button\" href=\";\"><br \/>\n      Show Less<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"referenced-card\">\n<h4 class=\"h4 h4--related-block\">\n<div>Related:<\/div>\n<\/h4>\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"media-object\">\n<div class=\"media-object__figure\">\n  <a class=\"link\" href=\"\/sport\/south-korea-mexico-world-cup-match-6188601\"><br \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--79n2qGaa--\/c_crop,h_449,w_799,x_1,y_1\/c_fill,g_auto,h_98,w_175\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2024-04:reuters_1,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/one-cms\/core\/2026-06-16T170420Z_1_LYNXMPEM5F1HZ_RTROPTP_3_SOCCER-WORLDCUP-KOR-CZE.JPG?itok=MgK8IwO8\"><br \/>\n                <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"media-object__content\">\n<div class=\"media-object__body\">\n<div class=\"list-object\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 list-object__heading\">\n<a class=\"h6__link list-object__heading-link\" href=\"\/sport\/south-korea-mexico-world-cup-match-6188601\"><br \/>\n      <span>World Cup: After &#8216;massive confidence booster&#8217; from first win, South Korea targets victory over Mexico<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"media-object\">\n<div class=\"media-object__figure\">\n  <a class=\"link\" href=\"\/sport\/south-korea-mexico-fans-world-cup-guadalajara-6192141\"><br \/>\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--1Is3JWb6--\/c_crop,h_900,w_1600,x_0,y_133\/c_fill,g_auto,h_98,w_175\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2021-08:cna,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2026\/06\/18\/kor-mex2.jpeg?itok=2F-wwUFJ\" alt=\"\"><br \/>\n                <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"media-object__content\">\n<div class=\"media-object__body\">\n<div class=\"list-object\">\n<h6 class=\"h6 list-object__heading\">\n<a class=\"h6__link list-object__heading-link\" href=\"\/sport\/south-korea-mexico-fans-world-cup-guadalajara-6192141\"><br \/>\n      <span>South Korea&#8217;s football fans feeling the love from Mexicans at World Cup as the two nations prepare to face off<\/span><br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/h6>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<h2><span>BENEFITS APLENTY<\/span><\/h2>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>At a World Cup fan zone in Seoul&#8217;s Gangnam district, visitors have been testing their shooting skills and taking part in football-themed games at a pop-up event designed to bring supporters together during the tournament.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Despite matches kicking off in the morning in South Korea, fans say enthusiasm remains strong.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>\u201cSince schools are showing the games and there are also broadcasts in Gwanghwamun, there seems to be more interest than I expected,\u201d one fan told CNA.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<section class=\"block block- block--view-mode-default clearfix\">\n<figure class=\"figure block block- block--view-mode-default clearfix\" data-img-id=\"\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--qA_u0HXX--\/c_crop,h_900,w_1600,x_0,y_212\/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2021-08:cna,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2026\/06\/18\/talkmedia_i_93ceb40b4719.jpeg.jpeg?itok=Mkcg7xiP\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"figure__caption\">\n      Fans testing their shooting skills at a World Cup fan zone in Seoul&#8217;s Gangnam district. (Photo: CNA\/Lim Yun Suk)<br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Retailers are also benefitting from the growing excitement.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>At the store where Ryu was at, supporters have been streaming in to look at national team merchandise and shop for jerseys ahead of Friday&#8217;s match.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>The store is operated by Musinsa, one of South Korea&#8217;s largest fashion platforms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>It said searches for the term \u201cSouth Korea jersey\u201d on its app jumped nearly fivefold after the national team&#8217;s opening victory, while sales of football jerseys overall rose more than 30 per cent compared with a year earlier.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"social-media\">\n<div>\n<article>\n<div>\n<div class=\"video-embed-field-provider-youtube video-embed-field-responsive-video\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Restaurants like Dalmaji Square BBQ are seeing similar gains.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>The World Cup has already delivered an unexpected influx of customers for the chicken barbeque chain. Last Friday, its outlet in downtown Seoul opened early to screen South Korea&#8217;s match against Czechia on a giant screen.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>It will also open its outlet in Seongsu district early for the match against Mexico.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>\u201cSince it&#8217;s summer, it&#8217;s hot during the day so we were concerned that customers would have to drink warm beer and sit there sweating while watching the match,\u201d said manager Kim Hyun-gyu.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>\u201cBut because the game was so exciting, I think people were able to forget about those concerns.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>The restaurant stocked up on food and drinks and brought in additional staff for the occasion.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<section class=\"block block- block--view-mode-default clearfix\">\n<figure class=\"figure block block- block--view-mode-default clearfix\" data-img-id=\"\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--IkolbqLF--\/c_crop,h_900,w_1600,x_0,y_200\/c_fill,g_auto,h_468,w_830\/fl_relative,g_south_east,l_mediacorp:cna:watermark:2021-08:cna,w_0.1\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2026\/06\/18\/talkmedia_i_9db04197031e.jpg.jpg?itok=WpqFgKEs\" alt=\"\"><figcaption class=\"figure__caption\">\n      Dalmaji Square BBQ restaurant in Seoul, which has been screening South Korea&#8217;s World Cup matches. (Photo: CNA\/Lim Yun Suk)<br \/>\n    <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Interest only intensified after South Korea secured victory, with reservations for match screenings on Friday and next Thursday selling out almost instantly, said Kim.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>\u201cWe received many questions from people asking how they could book a spot and come watch the games. Seeing that kind of response really showed me how much interest there is,\u201d he added.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Other restaurants reported higher sales during South Korea&#8217;s opening match as well, with some bringing in up to four times their usual revenue as they opened earlier to meet demand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Attention now turns to\u00a0<\/span>the<span> showdown against Mexico, with Gwanghwamun Square expected to be one of the main gathering points for supporters as the country looks to build on its momentum.<\/span><\/p>\n<p dir=\"ltr\"><span>Each side won their Group A tournament opener,<\/span> and a victory on Friday<span> will guarantee the winner a place in the knockout phase.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"from-library\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"text-long\">\n<p><em><span>Subscribe to the FIFA World Cup 2026\u2122 and catch all 104 matches live on mewatch. Visit <\/span><\/em><a href=\"http:\/\/mewatch.sg\/fifaworldcup?cid=football-world-cup_article_cna-referral\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><em><span>mewatch.sg\/fifaworldcup<\/span><\/em><\/a><em><span> for more details.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Source\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-source clearfix\">\n<div class=\"source__block\">\n<div class=\"source source--with-label\">\n    Source: CNA\/lt(ca)\n  <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Categories\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-category clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"newslettercategory hidden\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\">\n<section data-title=\"Newsletter\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termcategoryfield-newsletter clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"visually-hidden\">Newsletter<\/div>\n<div>\n<section class=\"newsletter-subscription\">\n<div class=\"subscription-light subscription_form__11209789-49c1-46bb-81cb-77ca25f1140c newsletter-subscription\">\n<div class=\"subscription-light__content-wrapper\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 h2--subscription\">\n      Week in Review<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<div class=\"subscription-light__image subscription-light__image--center\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--tFtkeWG---\/c_fill,g_auto,h_128,w_188\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/02\/05\/week-in-review.png?itok=yaLsroXW\">\n                    <\/div>\n<p class=\"subscription-light__description\">\n      Subscribe to our Chief Editor\u2019s Week in Review\n  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"subscription-light__form\">\n<div class=\"subscribe-form-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"js-form-item form-item\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"submit-wrapper\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"subscription-light__sub_description\">\n      Our chief editor shares analysis and picks of the week&#8217;s biggest news every Saturday.\n  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"newslettercategory hidden\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\">\n<section data-title=\"Newsletter\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termcategoryfield-newsletter clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"visually-hidden\">Newsletter<\/div>\n<div>\n<section class=\"newsletter-subscription\">\n<div class=\"subscription-light subscription_form__614fca4e-5d2e-4738-a9cd-e77e0d426c57 newsletter-subscription\">\n<div class=\"subscription-light__content-wrapper\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 h2--subscription\">\n      Morning Brief<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<div class=\"subscription-light__image subscription-light__image--center\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--JPYpUr1k--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_128,w_188\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/04\/21\/icon-130px_0.png?itok=cNQhSLGo\">\n                    <\/div>\n<p class=\"subscription-light__description\">\n      Subscribe to CNA\u2019s Morning Brief\n  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"subscription-light__form\">\n<div class=\"subscribe-form-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"js-form-item form-item\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"submit-wrapper\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"subscription-light__sub_description\">\n      An automated curation of our top stories to start your day.\n  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"newslettercategory hidden\">\n<div class=\"layout layout--onecol\">\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--content\">\n<section data-title=\"Newsletter\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocktaxonomy-termcategoryfield-newsletter clearfix\">\n<div>\n<div class=\"visually-hidden\">Newsletter<\/div>\n<div>\n<section class=\"newsletter-subscription\">\n<div class=\"subscription-light subscription_form__3204ef18-3768-4564-a64e-abacec0b4f86 newsletter-subscription\">\n<div class=\"subscription-light__content-wrapper\">\n<h2 class=\"h2 h2--subscription\">\n      Recommended Read<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<div class=\"subscription-light__image subscription-light__image--center\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dam.mediacorp.sg\/image\/upload\/s--RoboIaym--\/c_fill,g_auto,h_128,w_188\/f_auto,q_auto\/v1\/mediacorp\/cna\/image\/2025\/04\/21\/recommended_read.png?itok=xeBkWD6P\">\n                    <\/div>\n<p class=\"subscription-light__description\">\n      Subscribe to CNA&#8217;s Recommended Read\n  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"subscription-light__form\">\n<div class=\"subscribe-form-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"js-form-item form-item\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"submit-wrapper\">\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"subscription-light__sub_description\">\n      A single handpicked story that we think you shouldn&#8217;t miss. Just one a day.\n  <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"block-type--subscription_cta_block view-mode--full block--type-subscription-cta-block block--view-mode-full block block-block-content block-block-contentc579ec09-6661-430f-affe-a31ee2852233 subscription-newspick clearfix\" data-title=\"Article page Newsletter\">\n<div class=\"subscription-block-identifier widget-subscription hidden\">\n<div class=\"widget-subscription__inner\">\n<h2 class=\"widget-subscription__title\">Sign up for our newsletters<\/h2>\n<p class=\"widget-subscription__subtitle\">Get our pick of top stories and thought-provoking articles in your inbox<\/p>\n<p>          <a class=\"newspick-action-button widget-subscription__newspick-subscribe-now\" href=\"\/newsletters?inid=internal_organic_newsletters-widget\">Subscribe here<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<div class=\"widget-subscription__cta\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"image\" src=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/inbox-large.png\" alt=\"Inbox\">\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"block-type--subscription_cta_block view-mode--full block--type-subscription-cta-block block--view-mode-full block block-block-content block-block-contentf4b6edb1-b78e-4e15-99b4-16cd094ebfc6 subscription-newspick clearfix\" data-title=\"Article page App widget\">\n<div class=\"subscription-block-identifier get-app hidden\">\n<div class=\"get-app__inner\">\n<h2 class=\"get-app__title\">Get the CNA app<\/h2>\n<p class=\"get-app__subtitle\">Stay updated with notifications for breaking news and our best stories<\/p>\n<p>          <a class=\"newspick-action-button get-app__newspick-subscribe-now\" href=\"\/newsletters\">Download here<\/a>\n        <\/div>\n<div class=\"get-app__cta\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"app-download\" src=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/get-app-news.png\" alt=\"App-get\">\n        <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"block-type--subscription_cta_block view-mode--full block--type-subscription-cta-block block--view-mode-full block block-block-content block-block-contentec3bee35-4990-42ac-b24d-57f8bcc6eded subscription-newspick clearfix\" data-title=\"Article page whatsapp\">\n<div class=\"subscription-block-identifier whatsapp-group hidden\">\n<div class=\"whatsapp-group__inner\">\n<p class=\"whatsapp-group__title\">Get WhatsApp alerts<\/p>\n<p class=\"whatsapp-group__subtitle\">Join our channel for the top reads for the day on your preferred chat app<\/p>\n<p>        <a class=\"newspick-action-button whatsapp-group__newspick-subscribe-now\" href=\"https:\/\/cna.asia\/whatsapp\">Join here<\/a>\n      <\/div>\n<div class=\"whatsapp-group__cta\">\n  <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"whatsapp\" src=\"https:\/\/www.channelnewsasia.com\/profiles\/custom\/mediacorp\/themes\/mc_core_theme\/images\/whatsapp-news-logo.png\" alt=\"Whatsapp\">\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<div class=\"layout__region layout__region--second\">\n<section data-title=\"Related Topics\" class=\"block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-topics clearfix block--related-topics\">\n<h4 data-title=\"Related Topics\" class=\"h4 h4--block-sidebar-heading block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodearticlefield-topics clearfix block--related-topics\">\n      Related Topics<br \/>\n  <\/h4>\n<p><a class=\"link link--trending\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/topic\/south-korea\"><br \/>\n      South Korea<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link link--trending\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/topic\/world-cup-2026\"><br \/>\n      World Cup 2026<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"link link--trending\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/topic\/football\"><br \/>\n      Football<br \/>\n  <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/section>\n<section data-title=\"SIDE01 Display\" class=\"block block-ad-entity block-ad-displayside01-display clearfix\">\n<div class=\"block-title\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-tgNn-5yaDYQ\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"side01_mobile\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;small&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-eTSFNM0g3rs\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"side01_tablet\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;medium&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-wXNNKWSgBCo\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"side01_desktop\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;large&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"block-type--cia_widget view-mode--grid_2_2 block--type-cia-widget block--view-mode-grid-2-2 block cia-widget-block-grid block-block-content block-block-contentf40d2441-32e9-4ce2-b951-7598b811eb0f clearfix\" data-title=\"Also worth reading\" id=\"f40d2441-32e9-4ce2-b951-7598b811eb0f\">\n<h2 data-title=\"Also worth reading\" id=\"f40d2441-32e9-4ce2-b951-7598b811eb0f\" class=\"h2 h2--cia-widget-grid_2_2-block-heading block-type--cia_widget view-mode--grid_2_2 block--type-cia-widget block--view-mode-grid-2-2 block cia-widget-block-grid block-block-content block-block-contentf40d2441-32e9-4ce2-b951-7598b811eb0f clearfix\">\n      Also worth reading<br \/>\n  <\/h2>\n<div class=\"cia-widget cia-widget--grid cia-widget--f40d2441-32e9-4ce2-b951-7598b811eb0f\">\n<div class=\"read-next__loader\">Content is loading&#8230;<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<section data-title=\"Outbrain Block\" class=\"block block-mc-global-configurations block-mc-global-configurations-outbrainblock clearfix\">\n  <\/section>\n<section data-title=\"SIDE02 Display\" class=\"block block-ad-entity block-ad-displayside02-display clearfix\">\n<div class=\"block-title\">Advertisement<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-1XpUh_uvLys\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"side02_tablet\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;medium&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"ad-entity-oCT6G-vfCR8\" class=\"ad-entity-container not-initialized\" data-ad-entity=\"side02_desktop\" data-ad-entity-type=\"Adobe_Ad_Entity\" data-ad-entity-view=\"mc_adobe_advertisement_provider_default\" data-ad-entity-variant=\"[&quot;large&quot;]\" data-ad-entity-targeting=\"{&quot;entitytype&quot;:&quot;node\/article&quot;,&quot;entitylabel&quot;:&quot;World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash&quot;,&quot;entityuuid&quot;:&quot;ee7e1e1d-9256-40d4-a42a-a29ab490eef3&quot;}\">\n<\/div>\n<\/section><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"article__read-full-story-wrapper hidden\">\n<div class=\"article__read-full-story-button-wrapper\">\n<a class=\"article__read-full-story-button\" href=\";\"><br \/>\n      Expand to read the full story<br \/>\n  <\/a>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-button__wrapper hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-button__tooltip-fast-home-button\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__body\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__label\">\n              <span><br \/>\n           Get bite-sized news via a new<br \/>cards interface. Give it a try.<br \/>\n        <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__close-button\" role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-button__tooltip-fast-back-button\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip hidden\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__body\">\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__label\">\n              <span class=\"fast-tooltip__non-touch\"> Click here to return to FAST <\/span><br \/>\n        <span class=\"fast-tooltip__touch\"> Tap here to return to FAST <\/span>\n    <\/div>\n<div class=\"fast-tooltip__close-button\" role=\"button\"><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>    <a title=\"FAST\" href=\"\/fast\" class=\"fast-button\"><br \/>\n               FAST <\/p>\n<p>    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Advertisement East Asia World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash Businesses in the country\u2019s capital have reported a surge in interest following the national team\u2019s victory against the Czech Republic last week. A World Cup fan zone in Seoul. (Photo: CNA\/Lim Yun Suk) New: You can now listen to articles. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1407,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1406","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash - Asia Newscast<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash - Asia Newscast\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Advertisement East Asia World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash Businesses in the country\u2019s capital have reported a surge in interest following the national team\u2019s victory against the Czech Republic last week. A World Cup fan zone in Seoul. (Photo: CNA\/Lim Yun Suk) New: You can now listen to articles. [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Asia Newscast\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-06-19T23:30:20+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"830\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"468\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"ANC News Desk\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ANC News Desk\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ANC News Desk\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/2c9f588ee00d3b2b92133babac793e30\"},\"headline\":\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-19T23:30:20+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406\"},\"wordCount\":1086,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406\",\"name\":\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash - Asia Newscast\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-06-19T23:30:20+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/06\\\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg\",\"width\":830,\"height\":468},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?p=1406#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/\",\"name\":\"Asia Newscast\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Asia Newscast\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/anc-logo-v3.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/08\\\/anc-logo-v3.jpg\",\"width\":1280,\"height\":853,\"caption\":\"Asia Newscast\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/2c9f588ee00d3b2b92133babac793e30\",\"name\":\"ANC News Desk\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/77de746d543b5ff4f56d09fd6ad80cbe60a27662c69f5f6c30f6ef847060400f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/77de746d543b5ff4f56d09fd6ad80cbe60a27662c69f5f6c30f6ef847060400f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/secure.gravatar.com\\\/avatar\\\/77de746d543b5ff4f56d09fd6ad80cbe60a27662c69f5f6c30f6ef847060400f?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"ANC News Desk\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/asianewscast.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.asianewscast.com\\\/?author=1\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash - Asia Newscast","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash - Asia Newscast","og_description":"Advertisement East Asia World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash Businesses in the country\u2019s capital have reported a surge in interest following the national team\u2019s victory against the Czech Republic last week. A World Cup fan zone in Seoul. (Photo: CNA\/Lim Yun Suk) New: You can now listen to articles. [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406","og_site_name":"Asia Newscast","article_published_time":"2026-06-19T23:30:20+00:00","og_image":[{"width":830,"height":468,"url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"ANC News Desk","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"ANC News Desk","Est. reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406"},"author":{"name":"ANC News Desk","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#\/schema\/person\/2c9f588ee00d3b2b92133babac793e30"},"headline":"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash","datePublished":"2026-06-19T23:30:20+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406"},"wordCount":1086,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg","inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406","url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406","name":"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash - Asia Newscast","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg","datePublished":"2026-06-19T23:30:20+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/talkmedia_i_af109a5c46f4.jpeg-2Yq2pX.jpg","width":830,"height":468},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?p=1406#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"World Cup fever sweeps Seoul as South Korea prepares for Mexico clash"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/","name":"Asia Newscast","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#organization","name":"Asia Newscast","url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/anc-logo-v3.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/anc-logo-v3.jpg","width":1280,"height":853,"caption":"Asia Newscast"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/#\/schema\/person\/2c9f588ee00d3b2b92133babac793e30","name":"ANC News Desk","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/77de746d543b5ff4f56d09fd6ad80cbe60a27662c69f5f6c30f6ef847060400f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/77de746d543b5ff4f56d09fd6ad80cbe60a27662c69f5f6c30f6ef847060400f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/77de746d543b5ff4f56d09fd6ad80cbe60a27662c69f5f6c30f6ef847060400f?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"ANC News Desk"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/asianewscast.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/?author=1"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1406","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1406"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1406\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1407"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1406"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1406"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.asianewscast.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1406"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}