Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu overturn Krejci’s opener as South Korea claims three crucial points in its 2026 World Cup debut.
South Korea opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with an impressive 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic, recovering from a second-half deficit to join Mexico at the top of Group A.
In a balanced contest that remained scoreless for nearly an hour, the Czech Republic struck first through Ladislav Krejci. However, South Korea responded with character and intensity, finding goals from Hwang In-Beom and substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu to secure all three points.
The first half offered few clear-cut chances, although South Korea looked slightly more dangerous going forward. Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář was called into action several times and kept the Asian side at bay with a series of solid saves.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 59th minute. Krejci rose highest inside the penalty area and powered home a header to give the Czech Republic a 1-0 lead, putting Miroslav Koubek’s side in control.
South Korea refused to panic and gradually increased the pressure. The equalizer came in the 67th minute when midfielder Hwang In-Beom found the net to bring his team back into the match and ignite the Korean supporters.
With momentum firmly on their side, Hong Myung-Bo’s men completed the turnaround eleven minutes from time. A well-constructed attacking move ended with Besiktas striker Oh Hyeon-Gyu applying the finishing touch to make it 2-1.
The Czech Republic pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, but South Korea defended effectively and managed the closing minutes with confidence.
The victory marks only the fourth time in twelve World Cup appearances that South Korea has won its opening match. After Matchday 1, South Korea and Mexico sit atop Group A with three points, while South Africa and the Czech Republic remain scoreless.
Match Report: South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic
Goals: 59′ Krejci (CZ), 67′ Hwang In-Beom (KOR), 79′ Oh Hyeon-Gyu (KOR)
South Korea (4-3-3): Seung-Gyu; Han-Beom, Kim Min-Jae, Tae-Seok (69′ Eom Ji-Sung), Young-Woo; Jae-Sung (62′ Hwang Hee-Chan), In-Beom (84′ Kim Jin-Gyu), Gihyuk; Kang-In, Seung-Ho (84′ Park Jin-Seob), Son Heung-Min (69′ Oh Hyeon-Gyu).
Head Coach: Hong Myung-Bo
Czech Republic (5-3-2): Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Soucek, Sojka (84′ Chytil), Zeleny; Sulc (62′ Hlozek), Schick (63′ Chory), Provod (63′ Sadilek).
Head Coach: Miroslav Koubek
Yellow Cards: Lee Gihyuk
Red Cards: None
Venue: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Group A
