The FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A clash between South Korea vs Czechia in Guadalajara saw the Korea Republic stage a strong second-half comeback to secure a 2–1 victory in their opening match.
Korea Republic’s win came through Hwang Inbeom’s impact, Lee Kangin’s creativity, and Son Heungmin’s constant attacking threat.
Read on for the key moments, turning points, and how Korea Republic secured a crucial opening win.
South Korea vs Czechia: Korea Controls First Half But Czechia Hold Firm At The Back
Korea Republic controlled possession early in the game, dictating tempo and pushing Czechia deep into their defensive third. Lee Kangin and Son Heungmin were central to Korea’s attacking build-up, constantly probing for space and openings.
Despite sustained pressure, Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar produced key saves to keep the score level. Korea created several promising chances but lacked the final touch in the attacking third.
Czechia stayed compact and disciplined throughout the first half, ensuring the match remained goalless at the break despite Korea’s dominance.
Header From Krejci Shifts Control in South Korea vs Czechia Game
The breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute when Ladislav Krejci rose highest to meet a long throw from Vladimir Coufal and powered a header past Kim Seunggyu.
The goal came against the run of play and shifted momentum immediately in Czechia’s favour. For a short spell, they controlled the tempo and slowed Korea’s attacking rhythm.
However, the game took a dramatic twist in the 77th minute when Czechia thought they had regained the lead through Tomáš Souček’s header from a free kick.
But the VAR Review ruled the goal out for offside, cutting short the celebrations and shifting the emotional flow of the match.
Second-Half Goals Power Korea’s Comeback Against Czechia
Korea responded quickly, and the equaliser arrived in the 66th minute when Hwang Inbeom produced a superb curling finish over Matej Kovar after a precise pass from Lee Kangin. Hwang’s composed and technically clean finish immediately shifted the game back to Korea.
From that moment, Korea played with more urgency and confidence, stretching Czechia’s defensive shape and increasing pressure in advanced areas.
Oh Hyeongyu completed the comeback in the 79th minute by converting Hwang’s low cross inside the box.
Hwang’s performance stood out throughout, with a goal and assist that made him the central figure in Korea’s attacking play.
Kim Seunggyu’s Late Save Secures Korea’s Win Over Czechia
While the attackers sparked the comeback, goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu secured the win with a crucial 82nd-minute save.
As Czechia pushed forward, Adam Hlozek found space on the edge of the box and struck a powerful shot, but Kim’s full-stretch stop kept Korea ahead.
After that, Korea Republic managed the game by slowing the tempo and keeping possession. Lee Kangin and Hwang Inbeom controlled the midfield, helped Korea escape pressure, and reduced Czechia’s attacking momentum.
In stoppage time, Korea stayed compact and organised. They avoided risks, protected their shape, and saw out the match with control to complete a composed opening win.
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How Group A Stands After South Korea vs Czechia Game
South Korea move into second place in Group A after their 2–1 win over Czechia, collecting three important points in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 match.
The victory gives them an early advantage in the group, just behind the leaders on goal difference.
Mexico currently sits at the top of Group A after their opening 2–0 win over South Africa. Their stronger goal difference places them ahead, setting up an early battle for top position in the group standings.
Looking ahead, South Korea stay in Guadalajara for a crucial clash against Mexico, which could decide early control of Group A. Czechia, meanwhile, face South Africa in a must-win fixture to stay alive in the competition.
