South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
On June 11 at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, South Korea played to a goalless first half before conceding to Ladislav Krejci in the 59th minute.
Hwang In-beom equalized in the 67th minute. Oh Hyeon-gyu, who came on as a substitute, scored the winner in the 80th minute despite running a fever earlier that day. "I am so grateful just to have a chance to play at the World Cup," Oh said.
Coach Hong Myung-bo credited the team's altitude training in Utah, noting that Czechia players slowed in the second half. This marked South Korea's fourth opening-match win at a World Cup, following 2002, 2006 and 2010.
