Mexico and South Korea might not clash until the second round of Group A, but their supporters have already delivered one of the standout stories of the 2026 World Cup.
The opening day brought goals, red cards, and comeback drama. But it also revived a football friendship that began eight years ago and now looks stronger than ever.
Viral videos from Mexico showed fans from both countries enjoying the occasion together, turning matchday into a shared party.
One video showed South Korean fans being told they could not bring a bottle of tequila into the stadium. Their solution was simple: drink it outside and invite nearby Mexican fans to join in.
Other clips showed Mexicans singing "Korean brother, you're already Mexican" in a bar.
Another video emerged where Mexico fans were tossing a Korean fan into the air during celebrations after both nations won their opening day games.
Another South Korean fan was serenaded by "BTS, BTS, BTS" chants surrounded by Mexican fans.
In 2018, Mexico lost 3-0 to Sweden and looked in danger of elimination. Then South Korea stunned Germany 2-0, sending Mexico through at the expense of the defending champions.
Mexican fans responded by celebrating South Koreans in Russia and outside the Korean embassy in Mexico City. The chant "Coreano, hermano, ya eres mexicano" became part of World Cup folklore, and South Korea's ambassador to Mexico was even lifted onto shoulders as fans shared tequila.
That history makes the 2026 scenes feel less random. Mexico and South Korea fans are not inventing a friendship; they are renewing one.
Photo by Luciano Gonzalez/Anadolu via Getty Images
The two teams meet in Guadalajara on June 18, and the game suddenly looks huge. Mexico opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa , while South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 through goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu .
Both now sit on three points in Group A. The winner will be close to the Round of 32, while a draw may suit both before their final group games.
Mexico also has the historical edge. In senior meetings, El Tri have won four, South Korea one, and one has ended level, with Mexico winning World Cup games in 1998 and 2018.
The rivalry will matter on the pitch. Off it, the first day showed something better: football fans finding a shared language before a ball between them has even been kicked.
Read more:
