South Korea to cheer at Gwanghwamun, Czech Republic to hold all-night support at pubs... Prague stirs for World Cup after 20 years

*This content was translated by AI.

Ahead of the first group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, South Korean and Czech football fans are set to launch passionate support campaigns in different ways. While Korean fans will rally behind their national team with a street cheer at Gwanghwamun, Czech fans will gather at pubs and sports bars for all-night support sessions.

South Korea, led by head coach Hong Myung-bo, will face the Czech Republic in the first match of Group A at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, at 11 a.m. Korean time on the 12th.

For the Czech Republic, this match against South Korea carries special significance. It has been 20 years since the Czech Republic last appeared in the World Cup finals, following the 2006 tournament in Germany. The road to the finals was not easy. The Czech Republic defied expectations of a difficult European qualifying campaign, finishing second in their group to advance to the playoffs. They then dramatically secured their World Cup ticket by defeating Ireland and Denmark in succession.

Such circumstances naturally mean intense local interest in the Czech Republic. However, there is one variable. Due to the nature of the tournament being held in North America, many matches will take place in the middle of the night or early morning by Czech local time. The match against South Korea is no exception. While it kicks off at 11 a.m. Korean time, the kickoff will be at 4 a.m. Czech local time.

The second group stage match against South Africa is scheduled for 6 p.m. local time, placing relatively less burden on the team. However, the third match against Mexico on the 25th is set for 3 a.m. local time.

Despite the early morning kickoff times, the atmosphere among Czech fans remains fervent. The local Czech media outlet "Prague Morning" reported on the day, stating, "Czech football fans will have various options to watch World Cup matches even if kickoff times fall in the early morning hours," and added, "The Czech national team will begin its North America World Cup campaign against South Korea at 4 a.m. Central European Time."

The outlet further noted, "To accommodate cheering fans, numerous pubs, sports bars, and restaurants across Prague are scheduled to open beyond their regular operating hours," and shared that they plan to provide live broadcasts of the Czech Republic vs. South Korea match along with breakfast service.

According to local reports, several sports bars in Prague plan to screen all World Cup matches on large screens and TVs. Especially on days when the Czech national team plays, venues will open one hour before kickoff regardless of the match time. Another restaurant is preparing special all-night operations for the matches against South Korea on the 12th and Mexico on the 25th. Some establishments are also offering food and drinks from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to align with the North America World Cup concept.

However, given the early morning nature of the support events, there are also efforts to consider nearby residents. One restaurant is reportedly planning to ask its customers to be considerate of local residents, taking into account that the match will be held indoors during nighttime hours.

Another Czech local media outlet, "Expat.cz," also reported, "The Czech national team will play two early morning matches and one evening match in the group stage. As a result, pubs and restaurants are arranging night staff and adjusting their operating hours to match match times. Some places are even offering beer and breakfast together."

Miroslav Brilla, manager of the Meat Beer restaurant in Prague, expressed, "While running a restaurant might be more challenging, I believe it will be an exciting opportunity for football fans," and added, "Cheering together with fans is definitely worth trying."

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*This content was translated by AI.