South Korea edge past Czechia in World Cup Group A opener

South Korea secured a 2-1 victory over Czechia in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. The result places the South Koreans second in the standings on goal difference, trailing group leaders Mexico, who defeated South Africa 2-0 earlier in the day.

The match, played in front of an announced attendance of 44,985 at the 45,664-capacity venue, was characterised by a lacklustre first half that saw both teams jeered by fans as they left the field. Czechia captain Ladislav Krejci broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, scoring from a header following a long throw-in into the penalty area.

South Korea, ranked 25th by FIFA, controlled possession and outshot the Czechs, who are making their first World Cup appearance since 2006. Hwang In-beom equalised in the 67th minute with a clever finish, faking a shot to evade two defenders. He subsequently provided the assist for Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winning goal in the 80th minute, delivering a cross from the right flank.

Despite dominating significant scoring chances, the South Koreans, led by star forward Son Heung-min, failed to capitalise early in the contest. The victory marks a significant institutional milestone for the Asian side, who relied on a decisive late intervention to secure all three points.

With three points each, Mexico sit atop Group A, followed by South Korea and Czechia, while South Africa occupy the bottom position. The tournament format sees the top two teams from each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed teams, advance to the round of 32.

South Korea’s next fixture is against co-hosts Mexico on 18 June in Zapopan. Czechia will face South Africa in Atlanta on the same day, continuing the group stage proceedings.