The South Korea national football team is facing concerns about low cheering fervor ahead of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup. According to a survey released on the 10th by the Korea Broadcast Advertising Corporation (KOBACO), 68.6% of respondents expressed their intention to watch the World Cup, but the actual excitement seems to be lacking. University student Lee So-jeong (25) stated, "I don't have particular expectations for this World Cup," adding that she has job hunting and club activities scheduled during weekday mornings, making it hard to catch live broadcasts. Street cheering events are scheduled for the 12th, 19th, and 25th at Gwanghwamun Square, Yeongdeungpo-gu, and Seongdong-gu, but many say it will be difficult to participate actively due to matches being held on weekday mornings. Im Sang-hyun (26), who experienced street cheering during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, said, "I don't plan to join the street cheering this time," noting that the heat during the day and the low interest in the national team would likely make the atmosphere less enjoyable. Additionally, some fans express that distrust in the Korea Football Association and current political issues make it hard to build a cheering mood. Sports fan Han Hyun-a mentioned, "There have been so many controversies surrounding the football association and the national team that I haven't been able to fully enjoy the sport." Criticism has also surfaced in online communities, with comments like, "Even those who cared about the football association have drifted away." Under the notice for the street cheering event posted on the Seoul Metropolitan Government's official Instagram, reactions criticizing the ballot-paper shortage outweighed expectations for the World Cup.