South Korea stun Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup opener as Hwang, Oh deliver comeback

South Korea opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a thrilling comeback victory over the Czech Republic, as Hwang In-beom's equalizer and Oh Hyeon-gyu's debut World Cup goal sealed a 2-1 win.

The South Korean national team, managed by Hong Myung-bo, defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in their Group A opener at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico, on Friday (Korean Standard Time). It was South Korea's first World Cup group-stage opening-match victory in 16 years and the fourth such win in the country's history.

After a goalless first half, South Korea conceded in the 59th minute to Ladislav Krejci of Wolverhampton Wanderers. They hit back in the 67th minute when Hwang, assisted by Lee Kang-in of Paris Saint-Germain, leveled the score. Oh then put South Korea ahead in the 80th minute to secure all three points. Hwang also assisted Oh's winner, recording a multi-contribution performance.

Captain Son Heung-min, however, will have to wait until the next match to chase a historic milestone. Son started as the lone striker and played roughly 69 minutes before being substituted off for Oh, finishing without a goal.

Son currently has three World Cup goals to his name. A goal at this tournament would take him past Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan to become South Korea's all-time leading World Cup scorer with four goals.

Oh, who was a reserve player without a squad number as recently as four years ago, made an immediate impact on his first World Cup stage. He scored just 11 minutes after coming on as a substitute for Son in the 69th minute, sending the stadium into a frenzy.

With three points from their opening match, South Korea move into second place in Group A, behind Mexico, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the group's opening game.

South Korea have now won their World Cup group-stage opener on four occasions — defeating Poland 2-0 at the 2002 Korea-Japan tournament, Togo 2-1 at the 2006 Germany tournament, and Greece 2-0 at the 2010 South Africa tournament.

South Korea's all-time record against the Czech Republic now stands at two wins, two draws and two losses. Friday's match was the first time the two sides had met at a World Cup.

South Korea's next Group A match is against Mexico at the same venue on June 19, followed by a clash with South Africa at Monterrey Stadium on June 25, both with 10 a.m. kickoffs.