South Korea vs Czech Republic 2026

South Korea got their 2026 FIFA World Cup underway with a determined and disciplined victory over Czech Republic in the Group Stage, claiming all three points with goals from In-sun Hwang and Oh Hyeon-Gyu.

The first half was a tense, closely contested affair. Czech Republic drew first blood through Lukáš Krejčí, punishing a moment of defensive uncertainty and giving the Europeans an early foothold in the match. South Korea did not panic. Heung-min Son and Lee Kang-In kept the ball moving with purpose, and the equalizer felt like a matter of when, not if.

In-sun Hwang provided it, finishing with the confidence of a player who had waited for exactly this moment. The second goal, from substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu, put the result beyond doubt and rewarded a second half in which South Korea grew stronger with every passing minute.

Czech Republic competed with structure and effort. Tomáš Souček worked tirelessly in midfield and Patrik Schick led the line with commitment, but the Czechs could not find a second goal when they needed it most. Gi-Hyuk Lee picked up a yellow card for South Korea, a minor interruption in what was otherwise a controlled and assured defensive performance.

The result gives South Korea a strong foundation as the 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, builds toward its first expanded edition of 48 teams.