Korea Republic made a winning start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a thrilling 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in their Group A opener at Guadalajara Stadium, Mexico.
Czechia took the lead against the run of play in the 59th minute when captain Ladislav Krejci scored a powerful header from Vladimir Coufal’s long throw. The goal was Czechia’s first World Cup strike in nearly 20 years.
Korea responded strongly and turned the game around through Hwang Inbeom and Oh Hyeongyu. Hwang equalised in the 67th minute with a brilliant finish after receiving a superb pass from Lee Kangin. The midfielder then created the winning goal, delivering a low cross that Oh Hyeongyu converted in the 80th minute.
Earlier, Korea controlled much of the first half and created several chances. Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar kept his team alive with important saves, including efforts against Lee Kangin and Son Heungmin.
Czechia pushed hard for an equaliser late in the match, but Korea goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu produced a crucial save to deny Adam Hlozek.
The victory continued Korea’s impressive record against European teams at the World Cup, following previous wins over Portugal in 2022 and Germany in 2018.
Hwang Inbeom was named the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match for his match-winning performance. Korea now sit second in Group A behind hosts Mexico, while Czechia will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
