Check out how the first World Cup watch party went – June 11: South Korea v. Czechia
South Korea and Mexico both opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with victories, setting up a highly anticipated matchup between the two teams on June 18.
In Koreatown, more than a dozen Korean American organizations are hosting a series of three World Cup watch parties. The first drew thousands of fans on June 11, with two more planned as South Korea continues group-stage play.
Here’s what you need to know before heading out.
Going to Mexico vs. South Korea? Here’s what to know.
Where: Seoul International Park, 3250 San Marino St.
When: The festival begins at 10 a.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
What to expect: Food vendors, community booths and sponsor activations will be available throughout the day. A pregame stage program is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m., followed by the live match screening. Organizers are also planning a postgame celebration beginning around 7:30 p.m.
Parking and transportation: A free shuttle will run between the festival and a parking lot at 3550 Wilshire Blvd. from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., with pickups about every 20 minutes. The shuttle stop will be located near 3600 Wilshire Blvd., by Bulgogi Hut.
The parking lot will be open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Parking costs $19 for the day or $8 after 5 p.m.
Taking transit? Metro recommends riding the D Line to Wilshire/Normandie Station or taking Metro Bus Line 28 to Olympic/Normandie or Metro Bus Line 206 to San Marino/Irolo.
Where will the game be shown? The outdoor viewing area will be located along Irolo Street between Olympic Boulevard and San Marino Street.
A third and final watch party is scheduled for June 24 at Liberty Park, where fans can watch South Korea take on South Africa. The festival begins at 2 p.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
What roads will be closed?
Drivers should expect street closures around both watch party locations, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
For the June 18 watch party at Seoul International Park, Normandie Avenue between Olympic Boulevard and San Marino Street will close at 8 a.m. on June 17 and remain closed until 1 p.m. on June 19.
For the June 24 event at Liberty Park, Serrano Avenue and Oxford Avenue between Wilshire Boulevard and Seventh Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to midnight.
Organizers are encouraging attendees to take public transit. Liberty Park is about a block from the Wilshire/Western Metro station.
What can attendees expect?
The first 1,000 attendees at each watch party will receive a Red Devils T-shirt, bandana and thundersticks, according to organizers.
Organizers said attendees are welcome to bring chairs and umbrellas. Alcohol will not be permitted at the events.
Food vendors are expected to sell Korean barbecue, Korean street food, ramen, poke, Mexican food and other offerings.
Beyond the match itself, organizers are planning a full-day festival atmosphere with face painting, cultural exhibits, sponsor activations and community booths. Traditional Korean performances and taekwondo demonstrations are also scheduled throughout the events.
Attendees can also visit LAFC fan zones, ramen sampling trucks and various pop-ups. Community organizations, nonprofits and government agencies will host informational booths and activities.
A medical booth will be available on site, and organizers say cleanup crews will work throughout the celebrations.
The Photographers Society of Southern California plans to document the festivities and later host a photo exhibition featuring images from the watch parties.
Why are organizers hosting the events?
Robert Ahn, president of the Korean Federation of Los Angeles, said the watch parties are intended to bring the community together while providing a boost to local businesses.
“These viewing parties represent more than just soccer,” Ahn said. “These are opportunities for families, friends and the community to come together as one, especially during these challenging times to cheer and celebrate as one people, as one community.”
