Lee hails South Korea's World Cup win over Czech Republic

'The whole country became one the moment that comeback goal went in'

President Lee Jae Myung delivers a dinner speech at a state banquet hosted by Italian President Sergio Mattarella at the Quirinal Palace in Rome on Wednesday, during his state visit to Italy. [Yonhap]

President Lee Jae Myung congratulated South Korea's national football team Friday after it claimed its first victory of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, defeating the Czech Republic in the opening group-stage match. "Warm applause to our proud Taeguk Warriors, the coach and the coaching staff," he said.

Lee, who is on a state visit to Italy, posted the message on X, formerly Twitter, saying the national team "earned a precious victory against the Czech Republic in the first match of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup."

"Even in the challenging conditions at an altitude of over 1,500 meters, they never lost focus and ultimately turned the match around, bringing great joy to the people," he said. "The whole country cheered together and became one the moment that comeback goal went in."

Lee went on to say that having "fastened the first button with such force," he hopes the team will "show the full depth of Korean football with confident play and their trademark fighting spirit in the remaining matches." He also said "all our people are your supporters" and pledged to "cheer with all our hearts, as if running alongside you."

sang@heraldcorp.com