Live Blog! Republic of Korea vs Czechia at the FIFA World Cup 2026
Group A action continues with a crucial clash between the Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic. The Asian side will look to justify its status as favorite, while the Europeans aim to make a statement in their return to the FIFA World Cup after a 20-year absence.
South Korea complete the comeback, scoring a second goal after a brilliant team move to make it 2-1
Czechia find the net, but the goal is ruled out for offside. The match remains 1-1
Just before the hydration break, In-Beom Hwang scores a stunning goal to make it 1-1
Goal for Czechia! They take the lead with a header from a throw-in, making it 0-1
South Korea came very close to opening the scoring
The second half is underway
We reach halftime with no goals in Guadalajara
Son has the best chance of the match so far, but it's still 0-0 in the 40th minute
We reach the hydration break with Czech Republic improving, but the match remains scoreless at 0-0
South Korea come close on two occasions but fail to capitalize
After 10 minutes of play, South Korea have been the better side, but there have been no real chances so far. It's still 0-0
The match is now underway at Guadalajara Stadium
The lineups
Matchday 1 of Group A at the FIFA World Cup 2026 concludes with an intriguing showdown between the Republic of Korea and the Czech Republic at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. Both nations begin their World Cup journey knowing that every point could prove vital in a group that has already seen Mexico secure a victory over South Africa.
The Asian side enters the match as the favorite thanks to its extensive World Cup experience. This marks the 12th appearance for the Republic of Korea on football’s biggest stage, where its greatest achievement remains the historic fourth-place finish at the 2002 World Cup. Meanwhile, the Czech Republic returns to the tournament after a 20-year absence, having last appeared as an independent nation at Germany 2006.
Son and Lee Kang-in Lead Korea’s Attack
The team coached by Hong Myung-bo relies heavily on speed, movement, and quick transitions. The current generation features several internationally recognized stars, led by Son Heung-min, the team’s primary attacking threat, and creative midfielder Lee Kang-in, who provides flair and playmaking ability in the final third.
In defense, Kim Min-jae offers leadership and stability at the back. However, one concern for the coaching staff remains the spaces the team can leave exposed when pushing forward, something the European side will look to exploit.
The projected lineup for the Republic of Korea features Kim Seung-yu; Seol Young-woo, Kim Min-jae, Cho Wi-je Lee, and Tae-seok; Paik Seung-ho, Hwang In-beom, Lee Kang-in, and Lee Jae-sung; with Son Heung-min and Oh Hyeon-gyu leading the attack.
Czech Republic Relies on Organization and Experience
On the other side, the Czech Republic will attempt to impose a more physical and structured style of play. Head coach Miroslav Koubek trusts his team’s tactical discipline to slow down the Asian attack and capitalize on opportunities in transition.
The main offensive threat will be Patrik Schick, the Bayer Leverkusen striker, supported by the leadership and experience of Tomás Soucek in midfield. Both players are expected to play key roles in the European side’s World Cup ambitions.
The projected Czech lineup includes Matej Kovar; Stepan Chaloupek, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci, and Vladimir Coufal; Vladimir Darida, Tomás Soucek, Jaroslav Zeleny, Adam Hlozek, and Pavel Sulc; with Patrik Schick leading the line.
