South Korea Start World Cup With Victory

South Korea kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in impressive fashion, coming from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in a thrilling Group A encounter in Guadalajara on Friday.

The match appeared destined for a tense stalemate after a largely uneventful first half, but the contest burst into life after the interval as both sides pushed for an early advantage in the group.

Czech Republic drew first blood in the 59th minute when defender Ladislav Krejčí rose highest to head home from a long throw-in, sending the European side into the lead and silencing the South Korean supporters. The goal put Czech Republic in control and left South Korea searching for a response.

The Asians, however, reacted strongly and were rewarded eight minutes later. Midfielder Hwang In-beom produced a moment of quality in the 67th minute, weaving his way through defenders before calmly finishing past the goalkeeper to level the scores at 1-1.

The match continued at a frantic pace, with Czech Republic believing they had restored their lead in the 77th minute when captain Tomáš Souček found the net. Their celebrations were short-lived, however, as the assistant referee’s flag ruled the effort out for offside.

That decision proved costly. Just three minutes later, South Korea completed the turnaround.

Hwang In-beom turned provider, delivering a precise pass that was converted by substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu to put the Taeguk Warriors ahead 2-1. The goal sparked wild celebrations among the South Korean players and fans as they moved within touching distance of all three points.

Czech Republic threw men forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but South Korea’s defence stood firm. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu also produced a crucial late save to preserve the lead and ensure his side opened their tournament with a valuable victory.

The result places South Korea in a strong position in Group A and gives coach Hong Myung-bo’s men early momentum as they continue their quest to reach the knockout stages. Czech Republic, meanwhile, will be left ruing missed opportunities and the disallowed Souček goal as they look to bounce back in their next fixture.