GUADALAJARA, Mexico — South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 on Thursday and make a winning start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Group A.After a goalless first half at Estadio Guadalajara, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci put his side ahead in the 59th minute with a header from a set piece.South Korea responded quickly, with Hwang In-beom leveling the score eight minutes later after the Asians had created the better chances throughout the match.Czechia thought it had regained the lead when Tomas Soucek headed home from a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Oh Hyeon-gyu met a cross from Hwang In-beom to complete the turnaround and secure all three points for South Korea.The victory leaves South Korea second in Group A behind Mexico on goal difference, while Czechia sits third ahead of South Africa following the opening round of matches.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico — South Korea came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 on Thursday and make a winning start to its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Group A.After a goalless first half at Estadio Guadalajara, Czech captain Ladislav Krejci put his side ahead in the 59th minute with a header from a set piece.South Korea responded quickly, with Hwang In-beom leveling the score eight minutes later after the Asians had created the better chances throughout the match.Czechia thought it had regained the lead when Tomas Soucek headed home from a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.The decisive moment came in the 80th minute when Oh Hyeon-gyu met a cross from Hwang In-beom to complete the turnaround and secure all three points for South Korea.The victory leaves South Korea second in Group A behind Mexico on goal difference, while Czechia sits third ahead of South Africa following the opening round of matches.
