South Korea defeats Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener

South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The game, played at the Estadio de Guadalajara in Mexico on June 18, 2026, saw the Czechs take the lead in the 13th minute through Krejci. South Korea equalised in the 21st minute when Hwang In‑Beom scored after a precise pass from Li Gi‑Hyuk, and the winning goal was netted by Oh Hyeon‑Gyu in the 34th minute following a cross from Hwang. A second Czech goal by Soucek was ruled out for off‑side. The victory puts South Korea level on three points with Mexico in second place, while the Czech Republic remain without points.