FIFA World Cup 2026: South Korea Stages Comeback to Beat Czech Republic

Led by coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in a come-from-behind win in the first Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.

After conceding the opener to Ladislav Krejci in the 14th minute of the second half, Hwang In-beom equalized in the 22nd, and Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the winner in the 35th.

Oh Hyeon-gyu entered the pitch in the second half in the 24th minute in place of Son Heung-min (LAFC). Eleven minutes after coming on, in the 35th, he burst into the box to meet Hwang In-beom’s cross from the right flank and finished to break open the Czech goal.

Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winner gave Korea its first victory in a World Cup group opener in 16 years, since the 2010 South Africa World Cup.

With the win, Korea secured three points and started in second place in Group A behind Mexico, which beat South Africa 2-0 in the opener.

South Korea will play the host Mexico at the same venue on the 19th in its second group match.