South Korea rally past Czech Republic at World Cup opener
South Korea World Cup comeback beats Czech Republic 2-1 in Guadalajara Son Heung-min led the charge as Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed a vital opening win
South Korea opened their World Cup campaign with a 21 comeback win over Czech Republic in Guadalajara on Friday, June 12, 2026.
Czech Republic took the lead in the 59th minute through defender Ladislav Krejci, but South Korea quickly responded when Hwang Inbeom levelled the match eight minutes later. Substitute Oh Hyeongyu then scored the decisive goal in the 80th minute after a cross from Hwang.
South Korea had controlled much of the match, with captain Son Heungmin involved in several early chances before being substituted shortly after the equaliser. Goalkeeper Kim Seunggyu helped secure the win with key late saves, including a closerange stop in the 82nd minute. It was South Korea's first winning start in the World Cup in four editions, while Czech Republic will next face South Africa.