Hwang In-beom scored the equalizing goal and set up the winner as South Korea came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1 in their opening Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday night.
Ladislav Krejčí gave Czechia the lead in the 58th minute with a header from a long throw-in. South Korea responded eight minutes later when Hwang In-beom produced a brilliant finish to make it 1-1.
The Feyenoord midfielder then turned provider in the 79th minute, delivering a pass that substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu finished from close range for the decisive goal.
Hwang performed influentially in midfield, contributing directly to both South Korean goals. Captain Son Heung-min and other attackers created several chances, though South Korea had to show resilience after falling behind against the run of play.
The match, played at Guadalajara Stadium, marked South Korea’s first game of the tournament, and the result gives the Taegeuk Warriors an early three points in Group A.
Both teams created opportunities throughout, but South Korea’s second-half response proved decisive. Czechia had a potential equalizer ruled out for offside in the closing stages.
Following Mexico’s 2-0 win against South Africa earlier, South Korea now sits second in Group A with a goal difference of 1.
