South Korea defeat Czech Republic 2-1 to make strong World Cup start

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South Korea’s players celebrate after winning the 2026 World Cup Group A football match between South Korea and the Czech Republic at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan on June 11, 2026. (Photo by Ulises RUIZ / AFP)

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South Korea got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start by beating the Czech Republic 2-1 Thursday after finally converting some of the many chances they created.

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Until the 80th-minute mark it seemed that the Czechs would punish the Koreans’ wastefulness, but substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the decisive goal in a Guadalajara stadium that was far from full.

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Son Heung-min’s Koreans had dominated the first half but were unable to find the net.

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The former Tottenham star blasted one effort over the bar before making a driving run to his left and evading two Czech defenders only to shoot wide.

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An entertaining second half began with the Czechs scoring against the run of play as Ladislav Krejci rose at the front post to power a header past Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu.

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Hwang In-beom finally made the Korean pressure pay with a clever equalizer as he faked a shot and then caressed the ball over Czech ‘keeper Matek Kovar on 67 minutes.

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The Czechs had a goal disallowed before Hwang added to his goal with an assist, crossing from the right for Oh to slot home.

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When the final whistle sounded after a frantic end to the game, Son sank to the turf in joy.

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South Korea face co-hosts Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament’s opening Group A game earlier Thursday, on June 18.

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The Czechs play the South Africans in Atlanta on the same day.

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