South Korea fought back from a goal down to beat Czech Republic 2-1 at the 2026 World Cup, with Hwang and Oh scoring to move level with Mexico in Group A.
South Korea opened their 2026 World Cup with 2-1 comeback win over Czech Republic at Estadio Guadalajara, turning Ladislav Krejci's header into three points through In-Beom Hwang and Hyeon-Gyu Oh. The result leaves them level with Mexico at the top of Group A.
Czech Strike First From Long Throw
Despite South Korea dominating possession, they fell behind in the 59th minute. Vladimir Coufal launched a long throw into box and Krejci steamed in at the near post to head home Czech Republic's first shot on target. Heung-Min Son had already missed several chances, including a one on one saved by Matej Kovar in the 56th minute.
Hwang And Oh Turn It Around
South Korea's response was immediate. Eight minutes later, Kang-In Lee threaded a pass to In-Beom Hwang, who cut inside and clipped a composed finish inside the post to level in the 67th minute.
The comeback was complete in the 8oth minute. Hwang turned provider this time, sliding a low cross for substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh to tuck home from close range. Tomas Soucek had briefly thought he'd put Czech Republic back in front, but his header was ruled out for offside.
South Korea Control The Game
The scoreline reflected the flow of play. Hong Myung-Bo's side controlled 62% possession, completed 464 passes to Czech Republic's 242, and created the better chances throughout. Son, still the focal point, fired six shots but only one hit the target, showing his lack of cutting edge but also South Korea's depth.
Kang-In Lee and In-Beom Hwang were the standout performers. Both were the standout performers. Both were involved in the two goals, with Lee's vision and Hwang's composure in the final third driving the attack.
Illness scare for match-winner
Oh later revealed he nearly missed the game. "My body temperature went up to 38 degrees because I wasn't feeling well. I wondered if I could even play" he said "playing at the World Cup is something I should be grateful for. As a striker I'm relieved and thankful."
Hong praised his side's mentally "the win makes me happy, but what's even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up. At 1-1, I told them to keep playing the way we've been playing.''
Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek admitted his side were second best "we played well, it could have been a draw, but the better team probably won."
What's next for Group A
With Mexico also wining 2-0 over South Africa, South Korea and the co-host are tied on three points. South Korea's technical quality and resilience make them look like potential dark horses, while Czech Republic must regroup quickly before facing South Africa on Thursday.
South Korea opened their 2026 World Cup with 2-1 comeback win over Czech Republic at Estadio Guadalajara, turning Ladislav Krejci's header into three points through In-Beom Hwang and Hyeon-Gyu Oh. The result leaves them level with Mexico at the top of Group A.
Czech Strike First From Long Throw
Despite South Korea dominating possession, they fell behind in the 59th minute. Vladimir Coufal launched a long throw into box and Krejci steamed in at the near post to head home Czech Republic's first shot on target. Heung-Min Son had already missed several chances, including a one on one saved by Matej Kovar in the 56th minute.
Hwang And Oh Turn It Around
South Korea's response was immediate. Eight minutes later, Kang-In Lee threaded a pass to In-Beom Hwang, who cut inside and clipped a composed finish inside the post to level in the 67th minute.
The comeback was complete in the 8oth minute. Hwang turned provider this time, sliding a low cross for substitute Hyeon-Gyu Oh to tuck home from close range. Tomas Soucek had briefly thought he'd put Czech Republic back in front, but his header was ruled out for offside.
South Korea Control The Game
The scoreline reflected the flow of play. Hong Myung-Bo's side controlled 62% possession, completed 464 passes to Czech Republic's 242, and created the better chances throughout. Son, still the focal point, fired six shots but only one hit the target, showing his lack of cutting edge but also South Korea's depth.
Kang-In Lee and In-Beom Hwang were the standout performers. Both were the standout performers. Both were involved in the two goals, with Lee's vision and Hwang's composure in the final third driving the attack.
Illness scare for match-winner
Oh later revealed he nearly missed the game. "My body temperature went up to 38 degrees because I wasn't feeling well. I wondered if I could even play" he said "playing at the World Cup is something I should be grateful for. As a striker I'm relieved and thankful."
Hong praised his side's mentally "the win makes me happy, but what's even more positive is that our boys won by not giving up. At 1-1, I told them to keep playing the way we've been playing.''
Czech Republic coach Miroslav Koubek admitted his side were second best "we played well, it could have been a draw, but the better team probably won."
What's next for Group A
With Mexico also wining 2-0 over South Africa, South Korea and the co-host are tied on three points. South Korea's technical quality and resilience make them look like potential dark horses, while Czech Republic must regroup quickly before facing South Africa on Thursday.
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