Okay News reports that South Korea began their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in a Group A encounter at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Friday.
The Czech side took the lead in the 59th minute when defender Ladislav Krejčí headed home a cross from Vladimír Coufal, putting the Europeans on course for a winning start. However, South Korea responded strongly and turned the match around within 21 minutes.
Midfielder Hwang In-beom restored parity in the 67th minute after latching onto a pass from Lee Kang-in before calmly lifting the ball beyond goalkeeper Matěj Kovář. The equaliser shifted momentum in South Korea’s favour as they increased pressure on their opponents.
The decisive goal arrived in the 80th minute when Oh Hyun-gyu converted from close range after being picked out by Hwang In-beom. The strike completed a remarkable comeback and secured all three points for the Asian side.
South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo was credited with changing the course of the game through a series of substitutions in the second half. Fresh legs introduced into the attack helped energise the team and played a key role in the turnaround.
Despite trailing after the hour mark, South Korea had largely controlled the opening stages of the match and created the better opportunities before the breakthrough eventually came. The victory gives the Koreans an important early advantage in their bid to progress from Group A.
The result marks a successful start to South Korea’s 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, while Czechia’s return to the tournament after two decades ended in disappointment despite taking the lead.
