South Korea began their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey with an exciting 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara on Thursday, Yankee Scores reports.
Czechia, returning to the tournament for the first time in twenty years, took the lead in the 59th minute when captain Ladislav Krejčí scored from a long throw by Vladimír Coufal, per ESPN
South Korea Responds Fast
The Asian team quickly fought back. Just eight minutes later, Hwang In-beom equalized the score at 1-1. Korea completed the turnaround in the 80th minute when substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the winner, with an assist from Hwang In-beom.
This achievement also marked a milestone for Hwang. He became the third South Korean player to record a goal and an assist in a single World Cup match, following Choi Soon-ho (1986) and current head coach Hong Myung-bo (1994).
Difference maker 🪄#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/EMYkZCisGl
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 12, 2026
Late Drama
Czechia pressed hard for an equalizer in stoppage time. They nearly scored when Korea’s goalkeeper denied a close-range shot. Tensions flared briefly when defender Lee Gi-hyuk received a yellow card for a rough tackle on Václav Hložek late in the game.
Historic Start
This victory marked South Korea’s first win in an opening match at a World Cup since 2010. The result came shortly after Mexico’s win over South Africa earlier in the day at Estadio Azteca, which was the tournament’s opening match.
Both teams will play again on June 18, with South Korea matched against Mexico and Czechia facing South Africa in their next Group A games.
