Up to 6,000 fans expected at Seoul's first World Cup street rally — 200 officers deployed

Police are stepping up safety measures for a public viewing event at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, ahead of South Korea's first group-stage match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday.

The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said it will deploy three riot units — about 200 officers — around Gwanghwamun Square on Friday morning, when South Korea faces the Czech Republic.

Police expect up to 6,000 people to attend, though actual turnout could be closer to 3,000 depending on conditions. Authorities said they are preparing for crowd surges beyond projected levels regardless.

The event, co-hosted by the Korea Football Association, KT Corp and the Red Devils supporters' group, will divide Gwanghwamun Square into two zones comprising six sections in total. Three sections will face the media facade near the KT building, and three more will be set up behind the statue of King Sejong, with steel fencing separating each section.

Police plan to distribute attendees across sections and said they will keep pedestrian pathways clear even if the crowd exceeds expectations.

Officers will begin assessing conditions at the venue from 6 a.m., with riot units fully deployed by 8 a.m. An overnight unit will also be on standby to manage early arrivals seeking to claim spots before the match begins.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs Friday through July 19 — 39 days across the United States, Mexico and Canada. It marks the first time the tournament has been co-hosted since the 2002 Korea-Japan edition, and the first time three countries have shared hosting duties.

South Korea's opening group-stage match against the Czech Republic kicks off at 11 a.m. Friday. The Seoul Metropolitan Government, noting the match overlaps with the morning commute, urged residents in the Gwanghwamun and Jongno areas to allow extra travel time and use public transportation.