South Korea staged a spirited comeback to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 in a thrilling Group A encounter at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, earning three points at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico.
The Taegeuk Warriors were on the front foot from the start, creating better chances during the opening stages. Lee Han-beom came close to breaking the deadlock, but his header went just over the crossbar. Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar then made a fine save to deny Lee Kang-in, whose powerful long-range effort was on target.
The Czech Republic gradually grew into the game and nearly scored from a set piece, but captain Tomas Soucek fired wide after finding space inside the box. Despite South Korea’s attacking intent, clear-cut chances remained scarce before halftime.
Son Heung-min came closest to breaking the deadlock when he surged forward on a promising run but dragged his effort wide in the 39th minute as the teams went into the break locked at 0-0.
South Korea resumed on the front foot after the break and repeatedly tested Kovar, who produced a series of important saves to deny Hwang In-beom, Lee Jae-sung and Son Heung-min and keep the European side in the match.
Those missed opportunities appeared costly when the Czech Republic opened the scoring just before the hour mark. Vladimir Coufal launched a long throw into the penalty area, and captain Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head home, beating Kim Seung-gyu for his sixth international goal.
However, the Czech lead lasted only a matter of minutes. South Korea responded strongly, with Hwang In-beom finishing calmly midway through the second half to restore parity and set up a tense finale.
The Czechs thought they had regained the advantage when Soucek headed into the net, but celebrations were cut short by an offside flag. South Korea then delivered the decisive blow in the closing stages. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu latched onto an excellent pass from Hwang and converted from close range to complete the turnaround.
The Czech Republic pushed hard for an equaliser, but Kim produced a crucial save to deny substitute Adam Hlozek late on.
South Korea held firm to secure victory and move into a strong position ahead of their next Group A encounter against co-hosts Mexico, while the Czech Republic will look to bounce back against South Africa.
(With agency inputs)