South Korea Come From Behind to Sink Czech Republic

South Korea kicked off their 2026 World Cup campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Czech Republic in Guadalajara, with substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the winner ten minutes from time.

It was far from straightforward for Hong Myung-bo's side, who dominated the first half but found themselves behind after the hour mark when Czech captain Ladislav Krejci headed home from a Vladimir Coufal long throw in the 59th minute.

Son Heung-min had been South Korea's most dangerous player before the goal, attempting five of his side's eight first-half efforts, though his best chance was blocked by goalkeeper Matej Kovar.

The response was swift. Hwang In-beom pulled South Korea level just eight minutes after falling behind, finishing cleverly after being found inside the box by Lee Kang-in. With Kovar rushing off his line, the Feyenoord midfielder sold a dummy before scooping the ball into an empty net.

Czech Republic thought they had retaken the lead in the 78th minute when Tomas Soucek nodded home from a free-kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside, keeping the scores level.

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South Korea made the most of that let-off almost immediately. Oh, who had just come off the bench, tapped home a Hwang cross to put his side in front and spark wild celebrations in the stands.

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu then made sure of the points with a sharp low save to deny Adam Hlozek from close range in the 82nd minute, and another stop from Michal Sadilek in stoppage time to see the game out.

It is the first time in four World Cup editions that South Korea have won their opening game.