South Korea made a winning start to their World Cup 2026 campaign after coming from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara.
Hong Myung-bo’s side dominated large periods of the contest but appeared to be heading towards frustration when Czech captain Ladislav Krejci opened the scoring against the run of play shortly before the hour mark.
Instead, South Korea responded impressively. Hwang In-beom sparked the comeback with a moment of composure inside the penalty area before substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the turnaround 10 minutes from time to secure a vital three points in Group A.
The result marks the first time South Korea have opened a World Cup campaign with victory since 2010 and gives them an early advantage in a group that also includes Mexico, South Africa and the Czech Republic.
Czechs Strike Against The Run Of Play
South Korea controlled much of the first half and created the clearer opportunities, with captain Son Heung-min at the heart of most of their attacking play.
The former Tottenham star tested goalkeeper Matej Kovar on several occasions and looked the most likely player to break the deadlock. However, despite their dominance, South Korea failed to find a way through.
The Czech Republic offered little attacking threat for much of the contest but capitalised on one of their traditional strengths. A long throw into the penalty area caused problems and defender Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head home in the 59th minute, giving the Europeans an unexpected lead.
AdvertisementHwang Inspires South Korean Response
The setback failed to derail South Korea’s momentum.
Just eight minutes after falling behind, Hwang In-beom produced one of the moments of the tournament so far. Found by Lee Kang-in inside the area, the midfielder showed remarkable composure by shaping to shoot before delicately lifting the ball over the advancing Kovar and into the empty net.
The equaliser transformed the atmosphere inside Estadio Guadalajara and restored belief among the South Korean supporters.
Their confidence received a further boost when the Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead through Tomas Soucek, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside following a set-piece delivery.
That decision proved crucial.
Moments later, Besiktas striker Oh Hyeon-gyu arrived to convert a cross from Hwang and complete the comeback, capping a dream World Cup debut for the substitute forward.
Goalkeeper Preserves Famous Victory
Even after taking the lead, South Korea still had work to do.
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced two decisive saves in the closing stages, first denying Adam Hlozek from close range before preventing Michal Sadilek from snatching a late equaliser in stoppage time.
Those interventions ensured South Korea held on for a victory that could prove pivotal in the race for qualification.
Son’s Influence Extends Beyond The Scoresheet
Although Son Heung-min did not add to his international goal tally, the South Korean captain remained central to his side’s attacking threat throughout the evening.
Playing in his fourth World Cup, the 33-year-old linked effectively with Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung and was involved in several of South Korea’s best moves before being withdrawn shortly after the equaliser.
His replacement ultimately proved decisive, with Oh Hyeon-gyu delivering the winning goal that sent South Korea to the top of Group A after the opening round of matches.
For Hong Myung-bo and his players, it was the ideal start to a tournament in which expectations continue to grow.