South Korea's national football team achieved a thrilling comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup.
Under the guidance of coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in the Group A match held at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on June 12, Korean time.
This marks South Korea's fourth victory in a World Cup group stage opener and their first in 16 years. After conceding an early goal to Radislav Krejci of Wolverhampton in the 59th minute, South Korea equalized in the 67th minute with a goal from Hwang In-beom, assisted by Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain. Oh Hyun-kyu then scored the winning goal in the 80th minute, turning the match in South Korea's favor.
With this win, South Korea secured three points and currently sits in second place in the group, behind Mexico, which defeated South Africa 2-0. Winning the first match, considered a crucial turning point for advancing in the tournament, enhances South Korea's chances of reaching the knockout stage. In this tournament, which features 48 teams, the top three teams in each group can advance to the knockout rounds. Achieving two wins in the group stage significantly increases the likelihood of progressing.
South Korea will face Mexico on June 19 at 10 a.m. local time at the same venue, followed by a match against South Africa on June 25 at 10 a.m. at the Monterrey Stadium.
After the match, Oh Hyun-kyu expressed his gratitude, saying, "Just playing in the World Cup is an honor, and I am thankful. We will prepare well for the match against Mexico, continuing this positive momentum." Coach Hong Myung-bo, when asked about preparations for the upcoming match, stated, "We will prepare well over the next week."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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