South Korea open World Cup campaign with comeback win over Czech Republic

By Hoang Nguyen JUN. 12, 2026

South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening Group A match of the 2026 World Cup at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico, on Thursday.

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Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta (GMT+7)

June 12
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Victory for South Korea!
A well-deserved win for the team that played better. Czech got ahead, but with relentless efforts, South Korea came back with two goals to take three points with them, which will give the team a huge advantage in Group A.

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It was not until the last minute of the game that a yellow card was issued.

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Czech had a chance to equalize when Mojmir Chytil was fed the ball inside the box, but his shot was saved cleanly by the Korean keeper.

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The second half has six additional minutes.

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South Korea have managed to calm the match down, maintaining possession in midfield and keep Czech in their own half.

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Almost an immediate equalizer for Czech! Another powerful long throw from the right found Adam Hlozek, who had time and space at the far post, but his effort was saved on the line by Kim Seung-gyu.

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The pressure is now on Czech as they can no longer play defensively.

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2-1 for South Korea!

After barely escaping a goal, South Korea took no time for a sigh of relief, as they picked up the pace quickly. Hwang did well on the right flank to deliver a low cross into the space of uncertainty where the substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu was there to send it home from point-blank range.

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Oh Hyeon-gyu celebrates after scoring South Korea's second goal against the Czech Republic in 2026 World Cup Group A match in Estadio Akron Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico, June 12, 2026. Photo by Reuters

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Czech's goal is denied
Soucek headed the ball in following a cross from a free kick, but the flag was up for offside.

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Lee Kang-in earned a free kick for South Korea as he was fouled during a counter-attack. Without Son on the field, the PSG midfielder will be the main striker for South Korea.

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