South Korea rallies past Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener
5 verified6 unconfirmed
South Korea overcame a first-half deficit to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ladislav Krejci gave the Czechs the lead from a set piece, but In-Beom Hwang equalized eight minutes later with a deft finish. Substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh scored the winning goal in the 80th minute, converting a low cross from Hwang. South Korea captain Son Heung-Min took six shots during the match but placed only one on target, continuing a recent scoring drought in international play. The victory puts South Korea level on points with co-hosts Mexico atop Group A after the tournament’s second game.
What’s verified
South Korea beat Czech Republic 2-1 in a World Cup Group A match.
Ladislav Krejci scored for Czech Republic, In-Beom Hwang equalized, and Hyeon-Gyu Oh netted the winner.
Son Heung-Min took six shots, with only one on target, and was substituted before the 70th minute.
The match was played at Estadio Guadalajara with an attendance of 44,985.
South Korea now share the group lead with Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the opening game.
Not yet confirmed
Only one source reports that Son Heung-Min has not scored in a World Cup since 2018.
Only one source states that Son was substituted before the 70th minute.
Only one source mentions that winning goalscorer Hyeon-Gyu Oh felt unwell with a fever in the build-up to the match.
Only one source provides possession statistics (South Korea 62 percent) and passing totals.
Only one source notes that Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in their opening match.
Only one source reports that South Korea has qualified for every World Cup since 1986.
Key figures
Son Heung-Min – South Korea captain and forward
In-Beom Hwang – South Korea midfielder, scored the equalizer
Hyeon-Gyu Oh – South Korea substitute, scored the winning goal
Ladislav Krejci – Czech Republic defender, scored the opening goal
Myung-Bo Hong – South Korea head coach
Miroslav Koubek – Czech Republic head coach
Kang-In Lee – South Korea midfielder
Sources: Sky Sports, CBS Sports
