Korea Republic Come From Behind to Beat Czechia 2-1 in World Cup Opener
Korea Republic recovered from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 in their 2026 World Cup Group A opener in Guadalajara, substitute Oh Hyeongyu scoring the winner after Ladislav Krejci had put Czechia ahead.
K orea Republic came from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara, opening their 2026 World Cup Group A campaign with a comeback win. Ladislav Krejci put Czechia ahead, but Hwang Inbeom levelled and substitute Oh Hyeongyu struck the winner.
Krejci breaks the deadlock
It was goalless at the break in a tight contest. Czechia found the opening goal in the 59th minute through captain Ladislav Krejci, rewarding a strong spell after the interval and quieting the Korea support.
Korea hit straight back
Korea Republic responded almost at once. Hwang Inbeom levelled in the 67th minute to make it 1-1 and swing the momentum. Manager Hong Myung-Bo turned to his bench, and the change proved decisive: Oh Hyeongyu, sent on for captain Son Heungmin just after the hour, scored the winner in the 80th minute for 2-1.
Seeing out the win
Czechia pushed for a second equaliser, but Korea held firm through a long stretch of stoppage time, with Lee Gihyuk booked in the sixth added minute, to seal three points in their opener.
Group A takes shape
The result lifts Korea in Group A, the section that also features hosts Mexico and South Africa. Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in the tournament's opening match earlier in the day. For Czechia, back at the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after a two-decade absence under coach Miroslav Koubek, it is a narrow defeat to build on.
Reporting: based on official FIFA match data and our live coverage from Guadalajara, June 12, 2026.