GUADALAJARA: In a pulsating World Cup opener filled with drama, intensity, and late fireworks, South Korea’s Taegeuk Warriors roared back from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2–1 at Estadio Akron, securing a statement win in their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on Thursday, June 11.
From missed chances by captain Son Heung-min to a stunning comeback and a decisive late strike, the match delivered nonstop action as South Korea overcame Czechia’s physical, long-ball strategy with their trademark fast, technical football.
The Czechs broke the deadlock just before the hour mark when Ladislav Krejčí powered home a header from a massive 35-metre throw-in by Vladimir Coufal, stunning the largely pro-South Korea crowd in Guadalajara.
But South Korea responded with quality and composure. Hwang In-beom levelled the match in the 69th minute with a brilliant solo effort, twisting past defenders before lifting the ball over goalkeeper Matej Kovář after a sharp assist from Lee Kang-in.
Momentum firmly shifted as South Korea pushed forward, eventually taking the lead in the 80th minute when substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu finished calmly from a precise low cross by Hwang Hee-chan, sealing a crucial turnaround.
Czech Republic pushed desperately for a late equaliser, with Tomas Soucek’s goal ruled offside and Adam Hložek narrowly missing from another set-piece threat. South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced a vital stoppage-time save to deny Tomas Chorý and protect the lead.
Discipline and tension peaked late on, with South Korea’s Lee Ki-hyuk shown a yellow card in the 96th minute, but the Asian side held firm until the final whistle.
Earlier, Mexico defeated South Africa 2–0 in the group’s opening fixture, meaning South Korea now sit level on three points with Mexico at the top of Group A, setting up a blockbuster showdown between the two on June 18.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo praised his side’s resilience, saying his players followed his instructions to “never give up and play as one unit.”
With grit, flair, and a dramatic comeback, South Korea delivered a powerful early statement in the tournament, signaling they are ready for a deep World Cup run.
