A crowd of people carrying white sticks and wearing red shirts cheer in unison
Red Devils, supporters of the South Korea National soccer team, before the start of a game against Czechia at the Koreatown’s 2026 FIFA World Cup watch party at Liberty Park on Thursday, June 11, 2026. (Gary Coronado / For The LA Local)

The second week of the World Cup is underway. South Korea will face off against South Africa on Wednesday, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. PT.

South Korea faces a possible elimination from the tournament after losing against Mexico on June 18.

Here’s what you need to know before heading out to the free watch party in Koreatown.

Going to South Africa vs. South Korea? Here’s what to know about the watch party.

Where: Liberty Park, 3700 Wilshire Blvd.

When: Wednesday, June 24. The festival begins at 2 p.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.

Taking transit? Metro recommends riding the D Line to Wilshire/Western Station.

Where will the game be shown? The outdoor viewing area will be located between Oxford Ave and Serrano Ave on the lawn at Liberty Park.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 11: Samantha Salas, left, of Los Angeles, and Edgar Walton, of Los Angeles, along with Red Devils, supporters of the South Korea National soccer team, during a game against Czechia at the Koreatown’s 2026 FIFA World Cup watch party at Liberty Park on Thursday, June 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Gary Coronado / For The LA Local)

What roads will be closed?

Serrano Avenue and Oxford Avenue between Wilshire Boulevard and Seventh Street will be closed from 7 a.m. to midnight.

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.

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.”

My background: I grew up in Mid-City before my family moved to the suburbs of San Bernardino County. I later returned to LA for college and grad school at USC (Fight on!) and eventually spent three years in nearby Orange County, where I covered everything from the 2024 election and immigration to local government.

What I do: I report on the vibrant, immigrant-centered communities of Koreatown, Pico Union and Westlake, focusing on the people who live and work in these neighborhoods.

Why LA?: LA is where my immigrant family was introduced to life in the US, a city that just happens to be one of the best places to eat.

The best way to contact me: My email is hanna@thelalocal.org. You can also find me on Signal @hannak.77.

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