World Cup fever has officially taken over Los Angeles! After opening the FIFA World Cup with impressive wins, Mexico and South Korea are set to face off in one of the tournament’s most anticipated group-stage matchups.
And if you’re looking for the ultimate place to watch the action, Koreatown is throwing an all-day fan festival complete with live entertainment, food vendors, and a giant outdoor screen for the match.
The event is designed to bring together both Korean and Mexican fans for a citywide celebration of soccer, culture, and community.
Where is the watch party?
The official watch party will take place at Seoul International Park.
The outdoor viewing area will stretch along Irolo Street between Olympic Boulevard and San Marino Street, creating a pedestrian-friendly fan zone for thousands of fans.
When is the match?
The highly anticipated matchup takes place on Thursday, June 18. Festivities kick off at 10 a.m. with live entertainment, food vendors, and fan activities throughout the day before Mexico and South Korea face off at 6 p.m.
Fans can expect food vendors, community booths, cultural programming, live performances, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate before kickoff.
How to get there
Organizers are encouraging attendees to use public transit whenever possible. Metro riders can take the D Line (Purple Line) to Wilshire/Normandie Station and connect to the festival area via bus or a short rideshare trip.
A free shuttle service will also run between the festival and a parking lot located at 3550 Wilshire Blvd.
Shuttle Information
- Service runs from 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Shuttles arrive approximately every 20 minutes
- Pick-up location is near 3600 Wilshire Blvd. by Bulgogi Hut
Parking Information
Parking will be available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- $19 for all-day parking
- $8 after 5 p.m.
Road closures to know before you go
Drivers should plan ahead. Normandie Avenue between Olympic Boulevard and San Marino Street will be closed beginning June 17 and remain closed through 1 p.m. on June 19.
Expect heavier-than-normal traffic throughout the Koreatown area before and after the match.
What can you bring?
The event is allowing several items that are often prohibited at large public gatherings. However, alcohol is not permitted.
Attendees may bring:
- Folding chairs
- Umbrellas
- Outside food
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Pets
Prefer watching from a bar?
If you’d rather catch the match with a drink and a crowd, several popular Los Angeles sports bars are expected to show the game.
- Eastwood (Koreatown)
- Located just blocks from the official fan festival, Eastwood has been promoting World Cup watch parties throughout the tournament and is expected to be one of Koreatown’s busiest spots for the match.
- Biergarten LA
- A longtime Koreatown favorite with dozens of screens, German beers, and a lively game-day atmosphere.
- Tom’s Watch Bar
- Downtown L.A.’s massive sports-viewing destination offers wall-to-wall screens and one of the city’s most energetic soccer crowds.
- Casa Mexico
- The downtown cultural center has been hosting Mexico World Cup watch parties and is expected to draw a passionate crowd for Thursday’s matchup.
Why this match matters in L.A.
Few cities are as uniquely suited for this matchup as Los Angeles. Koreatown is home to one of the largest Korean communities outside of South Korea, while Mexican culture is deeply woven into the fabric of the city.
Thursday’s watch party offers a rare opportunity for both communities to celebrate together during one of the biggest sporting events in the world.
Whether you’re wearing red for South Korea, green for Mexico, or simply looking to experience World Cup excitement without a stadium ticket, Seoul International Park is one of the hottest places in Los Angeles to watch the tournament this week.
📍Location: Seoul International Park (3250 San Marino St. Los Angeles, CA 90006)
📅 Date: June 18, 2026
