South Korea 2-1 Czechia: Hwang In-beom Inspires Comeback Victory at FIFA World Cup 2026

Stylish South Korea edged past Czechia in a clash of contrasting styles at Estadio Guadalajara.

A subdued first half preceded an explosion of activity after the break, as two wonderfully worked South Korea goals cancelled out Ladislav Krejčí’s opener.

Man of the Match Hwang In-beom equalised for South Korea with a sumptuous chip before setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu’s winner, which came just two minutes after the offside flag denied Czechia a go-ahead goal of their own.

This is South Korea’s 12th World Cup, the most of any Asian nation, and this victory, their third straight against European opposition in the competition, puts them in a strong position ahead of their clash with tonight’s other Group A winners, Mexico, next Friday.

The pattern the game would take became clear early, with a highly technical and diminutive South Korean side coming up against a physical Czechia team that scored more set-piece goals (11) than any other side in the UEFA section of qualifying.

Although South Korea dominated possession, Czechia were by no means passive, pressing aggressively on their triggers and occasionally leaving space for the likes of Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom to exploit.

Czechia survived three chances for Tottenham legend Son Heung-min in the closing stages of an otherwise cagey first half. Son was involved throughout but appeared short of confidence during his 70 minutes on the pitch.

The game sprang to life in the 59th minute when Czechia captain and Wolves defender Ladislav Krejčí ghosted in completely unchecked to head home Vladimir Coufal’s long throw at the near post.

The European side’s size was always going to pose a challenge from dead-ball situations, but the ease with which Krejčí got his head on the ball would have disappointed Hong Myung-bo in the South Korean dugout.

The lead, however, was short-lived. Hwang In-beom equalised soon after, running onto Lee Kang-in’s clever through ball before expertly chopping inside, leaving both the goalkeeper and defender sprawling, and delicately scooping the ball over their outstretched bodies.

The Feyenoord midfielder was involved again with 10 minutes remaining, delivering an excellent cross to Oh Hyeon-gyu, who stole a march on Robin Hranáč before tapping home with his left foot from close range.

For both goals, South Korea were able to manipulate Czechia’s man-oriented defending, dragging the outside defenders out of position and exploiting the spaces left behind.

Tomáš Souček thought he had put his side back in front just minutes before Oh’s winner, spinning away in celebration after heading in a cross from a free-kick, but an astute call from the linesman cut those celebrations short.

South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu was called upon to save an Adam Hložek effort low to his right late on, securing victory for his side in what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable contest.

The only disappointment was the swathes of empty seats inside the stadium, which arguably detracted from the spectacle amid criticism of FIFA’s ticket prices.

Czechia will face South Africa on Thursday, where the two opening-round losers will be desperate for a result to keep their knockout-stage dreams alive.