World Cup Loss Unites Seoul
Thousands in Seoul Watch South Korea Fall to South Africa in World Cup Match
Key Points
South Korea dominated possession (69% to 31% for South Africa) but managed only 2 shots on target, with Lee Kang-in's eighth-minute effort the closest miss, underscoring the difficulty in converting pressure into goals.
A notable jersey exchange and cross-cultural moment: Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon attended in team kit and Red Devils scarf, later swapping jerseys with South Africa's ambassador Sindiswa Mququ as SA fans mingled with locals.
The event highlighted historical ties, with Oh acknowledging South Africa's role in the Korean War and referencing the Garden of Gratitude, framing the match within a broader sense of shared history and gratitude.
Park Myung-soo helped catalyze Oh Se-hoon's attendance by urging the mayor to join the public viewing on air, referencing a prior call for communal gathering after Korea's match against Mexico.
The crowd at Gwanghwamun Square was sizable, with about 11,000 fans present to witness the decisive group-stage match, illustrating strong local support despite the result.
South Korea fell 1-0 to South Africa in their final group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 25, leaving roughly 11,000 fans at Seoul's Gwanghwamun Square in stunned silence. Thapelo Maseko scored the only goal in the 63rd minute, sending South Africa through to the Round of 32 for the first time in their history and putting South Korea's tournament survival in doubt.
South Korea now sits third in Group A with 3 points, behind Mexico (9 pts) and South Africa (4 pts). They must wait to see if they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams across all groups — a nerve-racking scenario for the Red Devils faithful.
Korea Dominated the Ball but Could Not Score
South Korea controlled 69% of possession but managed just 2 shots on target all game. The closest chance came in the 8th minute, when Lee Kang-in fired from inside the box but narrowly missed. Kim Min-jae's header was cleared off the line even earlier, in the 2nd minute, by South Africa's Aubrey Modiba.
Coach Hong Myung-bo made a bold call by benching captain Son Heung-min for the first half. Son, 33, came on at halftime but registered just one touch in the penalty area. CBS News noted analysts questioned whether Son's influence is fading with age. Fans at Gwanghwamun voiced frustration, with one attendee saying, "I don't understand why Son Heung-min was left out."
Mayor Swaps Jerseys With South African Ambassador Before Kickoff
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon arrived at the square at 9:30 AM in a national team jersey and a Red Devils scarf. He was joined on stage by South African Ambassador Sindiswa Mququ. The two exchanged jerseys in front of the growing crowd — a gesture that drew cheers and set a tone of goodwill before a ball was even kicked.
Comedian and broadcaster Park Myung-soo helped make the event happen. On June 19, he challenged Mayor Oh on-air during his KBS CoolFM radio show to set up a public viewing after Korea's 1-0 loss to Mexico. Oh accepted. Korea Herald reported up to 20,000 fans were expected, with around 11,000 confirmed in attendance by kickoff.
Korean War History Adds Weight to the Match Day
June 25 is not just a match date in South Korea — it marks the 76th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. South Africa was one of the first nations to send forces to defend South Korea in 1950, dispatching the "Flying Cheetahs" air squadron. Mayor Oh leaned into this history, saying the match carried "a weighty resonance beyond the contest."
A newly opened memorial called the Garden of Gratitude sits inside Gwanghwamun Square. It features 23 black granite pillars, each 6.25 meters tall — a nod to the June 25 date the war began. Oh said, "Without the devotion of those who gave their youth, there would be no Korea soccer that the world cheers today." Some civic groups protested nearby, calling the site a political vanity project.
Fans and Local Shops Made the Best of a Tough Loss
The mood at Gwanghwamun turned tense after Maseko's 63rd-minute goal and grew quiet at the final whistle. But the crowd still applauded the team's effort. CBS News reported that fans in Koreatown in Los Angeles also gathered at Liberty Park to watch, showing the reach of the Red Devils community well beyond Seoul.
Local businesses around the square saw a surge in sales despite the result. Chicken and beer shops — serving the beloved "chimaek" combination — reported strong demand throughout the morning match. South Africa now faces co-host Canada in Los Angeles on June 28. South Korea waits and hopes.
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