South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic in their opening Group A match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Guadalajara Stadium. After falling behind early in the second half, the South Korean squad mounted a rapid comeback to claim all three points and jump to the top of the group table alongside co-host Mexico.
The first half ended scoreless before Czech captain Ladislav Krejčí broke the physical gridlock in the 59th minute, burying a header off a long throw-in. South Korea responded aggressively. Midfielder Hwang In-beom equalized in the 67th minute to erase the deficit. Hwang then immediately turned playmaker, delivering the assist to substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, who fired the decisive match-winner in the 80th minute.
The result creates an immediate shift in the standings, leaving the Czech Republic facing a strict must-win scenario in their upcoming fixture against South Africa. This victory is South Korea’s first opening-match win at a World Cup since they defeated Greece in 2010. It also extends a statistical streak for the national team, securing their third consecutive World Cup tournament with a victory over a European opponent.
Following the final whistle, Czech Republic head coach Miroslav Koubek openly acknowledged his squad’s defensive lapses. Koubek told reporters that “some mistakes” cost them a result, adding, “Probably the better team won.”