World Cup 2026 Fever Begins: South Korea Stun Czechia With Second-Half Comeback

The Buzz Nepal

June 12 , 2026

South Korea kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026campaignwith a dramatic 2-1 victory over Czechia at the Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, Mexico, on June 11. After falling behind in the second half, the Taeguk Warriors rallied with goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu to claim all three points in what turned out to be one of the most gripping matches of the tournament’s opening day.

A Cagey First Half

The first half was largely cagey, with neither side managing tobreakthe deadlock. South Korea controlled large portions of possession and created the better chances, but Czechia’s disciplined defensive shape kept them at bay. All eyes were on South Korea’s captain and talisman Son Heung-min, appearing at what is likely his final World Cup at 33 years of age. Meanwhile, Patrik Schick posed a physical threat up front for Czechia, with his battle against Bayern Munich center-back Kim Min-jae shaping up as one of the defining duels of the match.

Czechia Strike Against the Run of Play

South Korea dominated the majority of the chances, but it was Czechia who struck against the run of play in the 59th minute, when captain Ladislav Krejci powered home a header from Vladimir Coufal’s long throw. The goal was a gutpunchfor the Koreans, who had done much of the attacking work in the opening hour.

Hwang Levels, Oh Completes the Turnaround

South Korea responded with urgency. Hwang In-beom pulled the side level eight minutes later with a composed finish following a clever attacking move, before substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the turnaround in the 80th minute, sliding in to convert Hwang’s cutback.

Hwang’s goal came at the end of a 25-pass build-up sequence, equaling the fifth-longest passing sequence leading to a goal in World Cup history since 1966. The midfielder also became a piece of Korean football history: he is only the third South Korea player to record both a goal and an assist in a single World Cup match, after Choi Soon-ho against Italy in 1986 and current head coach Hong Myung-bo against Spain in 1994.

Kim Seung-gyu Stands Tall in Goal

South Korea’s three points were not secured without some anxious moments late on. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who plays his club football at FC Tokyo in Japan, pulled off several brilliant diving saves to keep his side in the game as Czechia pushed for a lateequalizerthat never came.

What’s Next

Both sides return to action on June 18. South Korea will face co-hosts Mexico, while Czechia take on South Africa. With three points already banked, the Taeguk Warriors are well placed in Group A heading into what promises to be a crucial second fixture.