The second match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place at Guadalajara Stadium, where South Korea came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Czechia.
The Asian Tigers were the superior side throughout the first half, controlling possession and creating the better chances. However, despite their dominance, they were unable to find the breakthrough, while the Czechia offered little attacking threat. As a result, the teams went into the halftime interval locked at 0-0.
Against the run of play, the Czechia struck first in the 59th minute. Captain Ladislav Krejčí rose highest to meet a long throw-in and headed the ball past South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, giving the Europeans a surprising lead.
South Korea responded positively and found their equalizer eight minutes later. Hwang In-beom showcased his awareness and composure to create the opportunity that brought his side level in the 67th minute.
The Czechia thought they had regained the advantage in the 77th minute when Tomáš Souček found the net with another header, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
South Korea capitalized on that reprieve and completed the comeback in the 80th minute. Hwang In-beom was once again the architect, setting up Oh Hyeon-gyu, who applied the finishing touch to score the winning goal for the Asian side.
The victory earned South Korea their first three points of the tournament, moving them into second place in Group A, behind leaders Mexico.
