ZAPOPAN, MEXICO / Content Syndication Services / – South Korea opened its FIFA World Cup Group A campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over the Czech Republic at Guadalajara Stadium. Hwang In-beom scored the equalizer and set up the winner as Korea Republic recovered from a second-half deficit on Thursday night.
The match stayed goalless through a tight first half. South Korea kept more of the ball and created early chances, but the Czech Republic held firm. Son Heung-min led the Korean attack and had openings before halftime, yet goalkeeper Matej Kovar and the Czech defense kept the score level.
The Czech Republic went ahead in the 59th minute through captain Ladislav Krejci. He met a long throw-in from Vladimir Coufal and headed the ball into the net. The goal gave the Czechs the lead despite Korea Republic’s earlier pressure and shifted the match into a faster second-half tempo.
Hwang Changes The Match
South Korea answered in the 67th minute. Lee Kang-in played Hwang into space, and the midfielder moved inside before sending a low right-footed shot into the far corner. The finish brought Korea Republic level and gave the team its first goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hwang then created the decisive goal in the 80th minute. He collected the ball on the right side and drove a low cross toward the six-yard area. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu met it in front of goal and turned it in to put South Korea ahead 2-1.
Czech Pressure Falls Short
The Czech Republic pushed for a response and threatened again from a set piece. Tomas Soucek headed the ball into the net in the 77th minute, but officials ruled him offside. South Korea then managed the closing stages and protected its lead until the final whistle.
The result gave South Korea its first opening-match win at a World Cup since 2010. It also marked a losing return for the Czech Republic in its first World Cup appearance since 2006. The announced attendance at Guadalajara Stadium was 44,985.