In a thrilling start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in a Group A encounter at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico. The match, which saw the Asian side rally from a second-half deficit, marked a significant opening victory for South Korea in their 12th World Cup appearance.
South Korea scored 2 goals courtesy of Hwang In-beom in the 67th minute and Oh Hyeon-gyu in the 80th minute. Czechia scored 1 goal through Ladislav Krejci in the 59th minute.
A tale of two halves
The first half was defined by a stalemate, with South Korea controlling much of the possession and creating several scoring opportunities, including five for captain Son Heung-min, though they failed to find the back of the net.
The match ignited in the second half. In the 59th minute, the Czech Republic broke the deadlock when Ladislav Krejci rose above the defense to head home a powerful long throw-in from Vladimir Coufal.
South Korea's response was swift and clinical. Eight minutes later, Hwang In-beom leveled the score with a composed finish after a precise through-ball from Lee Kang-in. The match remained high-stakes as the Czechs thought they had reclaimed the lead in the 77th minute through a Tomas Soucek header, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR offside check.
The decisive moment
With the momentum shifting, South Korea capitalised on the reprieve. In the 80th minute, Hwang In-beom turned playmaker, delivering a sharp cross from the right flank that found substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu. Oh's decisive strike forced its way past Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar to seal the 2-1 victory.
Despite six minutes of stoppage time, the Czech side was unable to find an equaliser against a disciplined Korean defense led by goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who made crucial saves throughout the contest.
Looking ahead
South Korea's victory places them level with co-hosts Mexico on three points at the top of Group A. They are scheduled to face Mexico on June 18.
Czechia, while disappointed by the result in their first World Cup match in 20 years, showed resilience in their return to the world stage. They will look to bounce back against South Africa on June 18 in Atlanta.