Hwang In-beom delivered a goal and an assist as South Korea came from behind to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night (Friday AEST).
First half struggles
Both teams endured a lackluster opening 45 minutes, drawing jeers from the crowd as they left the field at halftime. The Czech Republic broke the deadlock in the 59th minute when captain Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head home from a long throw-in into the penalty area.
South Korea's response
South Korea equalized in the 67th minute through Hwang In-beom, who cleverly feigned a shot to bypass two Czech defenders before slotting home. The Koreans then took the lead in the 80th minute when Hwang delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank for Oh Hyeon-gyu to volley in the decisive strike.
Despite dominating possession and creating more chances, South Korea struggled to convert early opportunities. Star forward Son Heung-min, playing in his fourth World Cup, had two clear chances but missed wide in the first half and saw a close-range shot saved after the break.
Czech frustration
The Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead in the 77th minute through another set piece, but Tomas Soucek's header was ruled out for offside. Coach Miroslav Koubek admitted after the match that "probably the better team won," though he felt his side could have secured a draw or even a win "if not for some mistakes."
Attendance and context
The match at Guadalajara Stadium was played before an announced crowd of 44,985 in the 45,664-capacity venue, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in attendance. However, large sections in the middle stands remained empty, and other vacant seats were scattered throughout the stadium.
South Korea, making their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance and 12th overall—the most of any Asian nation—are seeking to improve on their best result of fourth place in 2002, when they co-hosted with Japan. Since then, they have never advanced beyond the round of 16.
In the other Group A match on Thursday, co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener in Mexico City.
