South Korea stages comeback to beat Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup qualifier

South Korea's national football team achieved a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over the Czech Republic in their opening match for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The win, secured on June 12 at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico, provides a significant boost to their aspirations of reaching the Round of 32.

The team, led by coach Hwang Sun-hong, conceded the first goal in the 59th minute. However, they rallied with two late goals. Hwang In-beom scored in the 67th minute, and Oh Hyun-gyu sealed the victory in the 80th minute, completing the turnaround.

This triumph is particularly meaningful as it breaks a 16-year streak. It is South Korea's first opening match win since defeating Greece 2-0 in the 2010 World Cup. Historically, South Korea has advanced to the knockout stage in two out of the three previous World Cups where they secured an opening victory. This includes their historic run to the semi-finals in the 2002 World Cup co-hosted by South Korea and Japan, and their first-ever knockout stage appearance in an away World Cup at the 2010 tournament.

South Korea, aiming for their first World Cup quarter-final appearance on foreign soil, will face Mexico in their second group stage match on June 19. Mexico began their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Poland.