South Korea produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, turning around a game that had looked finely balanced for long spells.
Despite dominating possession and territory in the first half, South Korea were left frustrated by their inability to convert chances into goals. Captain Son Heung-min went close on two occasions, first dragging a shot wide from the edge of the box before later failing to connect cleanly with a promising opportunity just before the break.
The Czech Republic, though under pressure for most of the half, struck first in the 59th minute. Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head in from a long throw-in, scoring with their first shot on target and silencing the South Korean supporters.
South Korea responded with urgency and found their equaliser eight minutes later. Hwang In-beom showed composure in front of goal, delicately lifting the ball over the advancing goalkeeper to bring his side level.
The turnaround was completed in the 86th minute when Oh Hyeon-Gyu struck the decisive goal, finishing off a late surge that sealed all three points for the Asian side.
The result gives South Korea a strong start to their World Cup campaign, while the Czech Republic are left to reflect on a missed opportunity after holding the lead for much of the second half.
