South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic: FIFA World Cup 2026 Match Report, Highlights and Key Moments South Korea began their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in impressive fashion, coming from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening Group A match. Played at a packed stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, Hong Myung-bo’s side showed resilience and determination after conceding the opening goal. Second-half strikes from Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu secured all three points and gave South Korea the perfect start to the tournament. Match Information South Korea Coaching Staff Head Coach Hong Myung-bo Assistant Coaches Goalkeeper Coach Pedro Roma Fitness Coaches South Korea Starting XI (3-4-3) Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu Defenders Midfielders Forwards Match Summary The opening stages were tightly contested, with both teams looking to establish control. South Korea enjoyed periods of possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Czech defense. The breakthrough came for the Czech Republic in the 59th minute when Krejci finished a move assisted by Coufal, giving the Europeans a 1-0 lead. Rather than panic, South Korea responded positively. Head coach Hong Myung-bo introduced fresh attacking options, and the substitutions quickly changed the momentum of the match. Just eight minutes after conceding, Lee Kang-in delivered a precise pass into the penalty area, allowing Hwang In-beom to score the equalizer in the 67th minute. The match then swung dramatically in South Korea’s favor. In the 78th minute, the Czech Republic thought they had restored their lead, but a VAR review ruled the goal out. Only two minutes later, South Korea capitalized. Hwang In-beom turned provider, setting up substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu, who calmly finished to complete the comeback and put South Korea ahead 2-1. The Korean defense held firm during six minutes of stoppage time, securing a valuable victory and three crucial points. Goals 59′ – Czech Republic 1-0 South Korea KrejciAssist: Coufal 67′ – South Korea 1-1 Czech Republic Hwang In-beomAssist: Lee Kang-in 80′ – South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic Oh Hyeon-gyuAssist: Hwang In-beom South Korea Substitutions 63′ 69′ 84′ Key Turning Point The most important moment of the match came in the 78th minute when the Czech Republic had a goal disallowed following a VAR review. Had the goal stood, South Korea would have trailed again late in the match. Instead, the decision shifted momentum completely, and Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winning goal followed just two minutes later. Player of the Match Hwang In-beom The midfielder delivered a world-class performance, scoring the equalizing goal and providing the assist for the winner. Stats His leadership and composure in midfield were instrumental in South Korea’s comeback victory. What This Result Means South Korea’s opening victory gives Hong Myung-bo’s team a strong foundation in Group A. Collecting three points in the first match significantly improves their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. With key players such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, Kim Min-jae, and Hwang In-beom performing at a high level, South Korea will enter their next World Cup fixture full of confidence. Final Score South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic South Korea Scorers Czech Republic Scorer Assists Group A Points