AMP Article

‘Coreano Hermano’: Ahead of Mexico vs. South Korea, it’s all love between the fans

Published June 17, 2026 · Updated June 17, 2026 · By Joseph Hernandez

Los Angeles, California — June 11, 2026: Josh Lee (left) and Fernando Delgado pose for a portrait in Koreatown outside the Biergarten before the South Korea vs Czech Republic World Cup game with a fake trophy. The two met during the 2018 FIFA World Cup amid a wave of solidarity between Mexican and South Korean soccer fans after South Korea’s victory over Germany helped Mexico advance to the knockout stage, inspiring the popular chant, “Hermano coreano, ya eres mexicano.” Through soccer and their friendship, Fernando says he began exploring parts of Koreatown he had never visited despite growing up there, discovering shared cultural connections, including a mutual love of spicy food.

Brotherhood Beyond Borders: The Unlikely Bond Between Mexican and South Korean Fans

Coreano Hermano - In the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, Fernando Delgado and Josh Lee, two lifelong friends from opposite corners of the world, reflect on the shared excitement of witnessing their nations — Mexico and South Korea — secure victories in their World Cup opener. The 2026 tournament has reignited their anticipation as their teams prepare to clash in a highly anticipated matchup, yet their camaraderie remains unshaken. For Delgado, the outcome of this match is less about rivalry and more about unity, a sentiment that echoes across the border as Mexican and South Korean supporters grow closer.

A Warm Welcome to the Chants of Solidarity

As the tournament progresses, the atmosphere surrounding the Mexico vs. South Korea showdown is marked by an unexpected blend of rivalry and affection. While football fans often harbor deep-seated animosities, this particular rivalry has evolved into something more meaningful. The phrase "Coreano, hermano ya eres Mexicano" — a playful nod to the Korean identity now embraced by Mexican fans — has become a symbol of this unique bond. It originated during the 2018 World Cup, when South Korea's triumph over Germany in the group stage sparked joy not just in Seoul but also in Guadalajara, where Mexican supporters greeted the Korean squad with enthusiasm.

"A draw would be the ideal outcome," Delgado says. "Otherwise, it might feel like a letdown, right?"

Despite the competitive nature of the match, the cultural exchange between the two nations has created a sense of shared purpose. Social media platforms are flooded with videos capturing the lively interactions between Korean tourists and Mexican locals, showcasing a spirit of collaboration that transcends the pitch. This warmth, however, is rooted in a historical event that many remember with fondness — the 2018 World Cup, where South Korea’s unexpected win over Germany gave Mexico a glimmer of hope for advancement.

The emotional resonance of that moment is still palpable. In Mexico City, fans famously carried the South Korean consul general onto their shoulders in celebration, a gesture that symbolized more than just a sports victory. It reflected a mutual respect and admiration, even when the game was lost. Ray An, a Korean American from Fresno, Calif., who attended the 2018 tournament in Russia, recalls the overwhelming support he received from Mexican fans, including hugs, cheers, and even shots of tequila. Though initially disappointed by South Korea’s early exit, An now sees the event as a turning point for intercultural connection.

"This is so much more than football. This is just so much more than winning and losing," An says. "This is what it's really about, right? Creating core memories with strangers in a foreign land."

The historical ties between the two nations, however, are not as recent as the 2018 World Cup. Diplomatic relations began in 1962, but the relationship was slow to develop. At the time, Mexico’s strong nationalist sentiments made it hesitant to engage closely with U.S. allies like South Korea. It wasn’t until the late 1980s, with the rise of trade and the establishment of Korean manufacturing plants, that the connection began to deepen. This economic collaboration, coupled with the growing presence of Korean communities, fostered cultural exchanges that continue today.

From Trade to Culture: A Shared Evolution

Today, South Korea stands as one of Mexico’s most significant trading partners, with industries such as automotive manufacturing playing a key role. In the northern city of Pesquería, for instance, the Kia Motors plant has transformed the area into a hub of Korean influence, earning it the nickname "Pescorea." This blending of cultures is also evident in the rise of the K-wave, a global phenomenon that has captivated Mexican audiences. In 2025, Mexico ranked fifth in the world for the number of K-pop tracks streamed, according to Spotify data.

The friendship between the two nations is further strengthened by their shared underdog narratives. Jean Lim Flores, a Korean American in Los Angeles, highlights that both teams have struggled to progress beyond the round of 16 in over two decades. Mexico, which last reached the quarterfinals in 1986, and South Korea, which achieved its deepest run in 2002, have found common ground in their resilience. This parallel struggle has allowed fans to celebrate each other’s progress, even when it means their own teams fall short.

"Neither of our countries have won the World Cup," Flores says. "So there’s a sense of collective achievement whenever either team steps onto the field."

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the legacy of the 2018 match continues to shape the expectations of fans. The idea of "Coreano Hermano" has become a cultural touchstone, representing a deeper affinity between the two communities. This bond is not just about sports but about the stories and experiences that have been shared over the years. Delgado, for example, credits the phrase with fostering a greater appreciation for both nations, bridging gaps that once seemed insurmountable.

Looking back, An believes that the 2018 upset might have been the catalyst for this shift in perspective. "Maybe in the long run, this is actually a better thing for us to have happened," he says, referring to South Korea’s failure to advance in that tournament. "It created a space for us to connect, even if it wasn’t about winning." This sentiment is echoed by many who see the rivalry as a platform for cultural exchange rather than division.

A Future of Unity in Competition

As the 2026 World Cup nears, the stage is set for another chapter in this evolving relationship. The rivalry between Mexico and South Korea, once defined by competition, now carries the weight of shared history and mutual respect. For fans like Delgado and Lee, the focus is on the joy of the game, not the tension between national pride. They envision a scenario where the two teams’ interactions continue to inspire a spirit of brotherhood, regardless of the final scoreboard.

This phenomenon is not unique to the World Cup but reflects a broader trend of cultural integration. The Koreatown in Mexico City, for example, has become a vibrant neighborhood that celebrates Korean heritage while remaining deeply connected to Mexican traditions. Such neighborhoods serve as microcosms of the larger relationship, where diverse communities find common ground through shared interests and experiences.

While the sports world often divides fans, the story of Mexico and South Korea shows how a single moment can unite people across borders. The 2018 World Cup was a turning point, but the ongoing dialogue between fans and the growing cultural ties between the nations ensure that this bond will continue to evolve. Whether through music, trade, or football, the friendship between the two countries is a testament to the power of human connection in an increasingly globalized world.