FIFA World Cup 2026: South Korea Fight Back to Defeat Czechia 2-1 in Group A Clash

Zapopan — South Korea launched their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over Czechia in their Group A opener at Guadalajara Stadium on Friday (IST).

Despite controlling large stretches of the contest, the Koreans found themselves trailing midway through the second half after Czech captain Ladislav Krejci scored against the run of play. However, goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu completed a spirited comeback and ensured all three points for the East Asian side.

South Korea created several chances before the breakthrough. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar produced an early save to deny Lee Kang-in’s powerful effort, while Son Heung-min, appearing in his fourth FIFA World Cup, came close on multiple occasions but failed to find the target. The Czech goalkeeper continued to frustrate Korea after the break, keeping out another attempt from the Tottenham star.

Czechia struck first in the 59th minute when Krejci rose highest to meet Vladimir Coufal’s long throw and powered a header beyond goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu.

The lead lasted only eight minutes. Hwang In-beom brought South Korea level with a composed finish after being picked out by a superb pass from Lee Kang-in. The turnaround was completed in the 80th minute when Oh Hyeon-gyu converted Hwang’s low cross from the right.

Czechia pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages and came closest through Adam Hlozek, whose effort forced Kim Seunggyu into a brilliant save in the 82nd minute.

The victory marked South Korea’s third consecutive World Cup win over European opponents, following memorable triumphs against Portugal in 2022 and Germany in 2018.

Reflecting on the result, South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo praised his team’s resilience.

“It was our first game and a very difficult one. The win itself makes me happy, but what’s even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up. I knew we were capable of winning, so when it was 1-1, I told them to keep playing the way we had been. Now our focus shifts to Mexico, and we will use the coming week to prepare properly,” he said.
 

With inputs from IANS