Live South Korea - Czech Republic (9 AM, June 12): Waiting for Asian representatives to score first

The 2026 World Cup continues on June 12 with a Group A encounter between South Korea and the Czech Republic, scheduled for 9:00 AM Indochina Time. This match is anticipated to be a closely contested affair, with both teams bringing distinct strengths to the field.

According to Transfermarkt valuations, the Czech Republic holds a slight financial edge, estimated at approximately 188 million euros, compared to South Korea's 139 million euros. Historically, the two nations have met only once before, in 2016, when South Korea emerged victorious with a 2-1 scoreline. This past result could provide a psychological boost for the Asian representatives.

South Korea's hopes largely rest on the shoulders of their veteran star, Son Heung-min. Despite his age and recent move to MLS, the 34-year-old remains the team's most influential player and is expected to lead them deep into the tournament. His experience and skill will be crucial for South Korea's ambitions in North America.

On the other side, the Czech Republic boasts a formidable threat from set pieces, with players like Patrik Schick and Tomáš Souček posing significant danger in the penalty area. Recent form suggests an attacking prowess for the Czechs, as their last five matches have all featured multiple goals, with them scoring at least two in each. In contrast, South Korea's recent performance shows three wins and two losses in their last five games, with a tendency towards lower-scoring matches, including three 1-0 victories and two games where they failed to score.

The World Cup 2026, hosted across North America, features an expanded format with 48 teams divided into 12 groups. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stage of 32 teams. The tournament runs from June 12 to July 20.