South Korea kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in Group A. After falling behind in the second half, the Asian side responded strongly with goals from Hwang In-beom and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to secure all three points in Guadalajara.
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South Korea vs Czechia score
Full-time: South Korea 2-1 Czechia
Czechia : Ladislav Krejčí
South Korea: Hwang In-beom, Oh Hyeon-gyu
The result gives South Korea an early boost in Group A, which also features Mexico and South Africa.
How the match unfolded
The opening half was a cautious affair with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities. South Korea enjoyed more possession and looked the more composed side, but Czechia remained compact and disciplined.
The game burst into life after the break when Czechia took the lead through defender Ladislav Krejčí, who powered home a header following a long throw-in. The goal came somewhat against the run of play and put the European side in control.
However, South Korea responded quickly.
Midfielder Hwang In-beom levelled the score with a calm finish after a well-worked move, rewarding South Korea's dominance in midfield. The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in favour of the Koreans.
Oh Hyeon-gyu scores decisive winner
With the match heading toward a draw, South Korea found the breakthrough in the 80th minute. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu converted a low cross from Hwang In-beom to complete the turnaround and spark celebrations among Korean fans. The goal proved to be the winner as Czechia failed to mount a late response.
Key stats from South Korea vs Czechia
Goalscorers
| Team | Goalscorers |
|---|---|
| South Korea | Hwang In-beom, Oh Hyeon-gyu |
| Czechia | Ladislav Krejčí |
Match facts
- South Korea came from behind to win 2-1.
- Hwang In-beom finished with a goal and an assist.
- Oh Hyeon-gyu scored after coming off the bench.
- Czechia's opener arrived from a set-piece situation.
- South Korea earned three crucial points in their first Group A match.
- Hwang In-beom steals the spotlight
While much of the pre-match attention focused on captain Son Heung-min, it was Hwang In-beom who emerged as South Korea's standout performer.
The midfielder controlled possession, linked play effectively and directly contributed to both Korean goals. His influence in the second half proved decisive as South Korea overturned the deficit.
What the result means
South Korea move into a strong position in Group A after securing a winning start to the tournament. Czechia, meanwhile, will need a positive response in their upcoming fixtures to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive. With Mexico already opening their campaign with a victory over South Africa, the battle for qualification is expected to remain intense.
Hwang In-beom steals the spotlight
While much of the pre-match attention focused on captain Son Heung-min, it was Hwang In-beom who emerged as South Korea's standout performer.
The midfielder controlled possession, linked play effectively and directly contributed to both Korean goals. His influence in the second half proved decisive as South Korea overturned the deficit.
South Korea vs Czechia highlights at a glance
Result: South Korea 2-1 Czechia
Venue: Guadalajara, Mexico
South Korea scorers: Hwang In-beom, Oh Hyeon-gyu
Czechia scorer: Ladislav Krejčí
Star performer: Hwang In-beom (1 goal, 1 assist)
Group: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A
