Asian powerhouse South Korea came from behind to beat a strong Czech Republic side 2-1 in a Group A encounter on the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After what fans described as a relatively uneventful first half, in which most of the chances fell to Son Heung-min, the game burst into life after the break.
Ladislav Krejčí powered home a header to give the Czechs the lead, but they were pegged back just eight minutes later when Hwang In-beom finished with composure to equalise.
The Czech Republic’s Tomáš Souček was then denied a go-ahead goal by the offside flag before Oh Hyeon-gyu prodded home South Korea’s decisive second goal from close range.
South Korea and Mexico are now tied on three points each after the hosts comfortably defeated South Africa in the tournament’s opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca.
The Czech Republic have now lost all four of their World Cup matches in Guadalajara — the previous three coming in 1970 as Czechoslovakia.
They become only the second team to lose four World Cup games in a single city, joining Belgium, who have lost all four of their matches in Mexico City.
Fortunately for Belgium, none of their group games at this World Cup are in Mexico City.
The Czech Republic will now head to Atlanta and Mexico City for their remaining Group A fixtures.
The tournament had already attracted attention after South Africa were shown three red cards in their opening game against Mexico.
Also read: Mexico crush South Africa 2-0 in opening game of FIFA World Cup
Follow us
