Thousands of soccer fans are expected to gather in Koreatown starting Thursday as South Korea begins its run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
More than a dozen Korean American organizations are teaming up to host three watch parties with giant screens, food vendors, cultural performances and family-friendly activities throughout the day.
The events will coincide with South Korea’s group-stage matches and are expected to draw fans from across Southern California.
Here’s what you need to know before heading out.
When are the watch parties?
South Korea vs. Czechia
Thursday, June 11 at Liberty Park
3700 Wilshire Blvd.
The festival begins at 2 p.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
South Korea vs. Mexico
Thursday, June 18 at Seoul International Park
3250 San Marino St.
The festival begins at 10 a.m. and kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.
South Korea vs. South Africa
Wednesday, June 24 at Liberty Park
3700 Wilshire Blvd.
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 11 and June 24 events at Liberty Park, Serrano Avenue and Oxford Avenue between Wilshire Boulevard and Seventh Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to midnight.
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.
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 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.”
