Dramatic Comeback! Son Heung-min leads South Korea to defeat the Czech Republic at the 2026 World Cup.

South Korea began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a victory. Having fallen behind first, the Taegeuk Warriors demonstrated strong character to mount a comeback and defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening Group A fixture at Estadio Akron, Zapopan, on Friday morning WIB.

This win provides valuable momentum for South Korea in the Group A Standings, Putting them level with Mexico who had already secured victory in the group's opening match.

The Czech Republic immediately applied pressure in the opening minutes, before control of the match shifted to South Korea.

South Korea registered their first chance in the 11th minute. Receiving a pass inside the penalty area, Son Heung-min fired a shot that was blocked by the Czech defensive line.

South Korea continued to press with a headed attempt from Lee Han-beom, which floated over the crossbar. Goalkeeper Matej Kovar made a critical save in the 13th minute, denying Lee Kang-in's long-range strike.

The Czech Republic were not without attacking opportunities. Tomas Soucek attempted to convert a corner kick, but his effort failed to hit the target.

Nearing the end of the first half, Son Heung-min threatened again with another long-range shot in the 37th minute, but the deadlock remained unbroken.

The score stayed goalless at the half-time break.

South Korea maintained their high attacking intensity in the second half. Despite this, it was the Czech Republic who broke through first, scoring in the 59th minute.

Team captain Ladislav Krejci headed home from a corner kick to put his side 1-0 up against South Korea.

The Taegeuk Warriors responded by ramping up pressure and attacking with greater aggression. Their effort paid off in the 68th minute, when Hwang In-beom beat Matej Kovar to level the score at 1-1.

The Czech Republic found the net in the 77th minute through Tomas Soucek, but the goal was disallowed for offside.

This moment proved to be the match turning point: just two minutes later, Oh Hyeon-gyu fired past the Czech keeper. The Taegeuk Warriors took a 2-1 lead in the 79th minute.

Trailing by one goal, the Czech Republic pushed for an equaliser, but no further goals were scored for the remainder of the fixture.

This 2-1 comeback victory marks a positive result for South Korea as they compete in 2026 World Cup Group A.

Match Lineups

South Korea: Kim Seunggyu; Lee Hanbeom, Kim Minjae, Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo; Lee Gihyuk, Hwang Inbeom, Paik Seungho, Lee Jaesung, Lee Kangin; Son Heungmin.

Czech Republic: Matej Kovar; Robin Hranac, Vladimir Coufal, Stepan Chaloupek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny; Lukas Provod, Tomas Soucek, Alexandr Sojka; Patrik Schick, Pavel Sulc.