South Korea rallies past Czech Republic 2-1 in World Cup Group A opener
South Korea came from a goal down to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 in their opening Group A match of the 2026 World Cup in Guadalajara, with Hyeon-Gyu Oh scoring the winner nine minutes from time after a VAR decision had denied Tomas Soucek a go-ahead goal.
First half stalemate
The match at Estadio Guadalajara, hosting its first game of the tournament, remained goalless through a cagey opening period. Neither side was able to break the deadlock before the interval.
Second half scoring burst
Three minutes before the hour mark, Ladislav Krejci put the Czech Republic ahead with a well-taken finish. The lead lasted barely nine minutes, as In-Beom Hwang levelled for South Korea in the 67th minute, setting up a tense final third.
VAR disallows Soucek’s header
With the score at 1-1, the Czechs thought they had reclaimed the lead when Tomas Soucek rose to head home a left-wing free-kick. The West Ham midfielder’s effort was initially awarded, but television replays showed the South Korean defensive line had stepped up perfectly, leaving Soucek fractionally offside. The VAR check was swift; the goal was cancelled and the score remained tied.
Oh wins it late
South Korea capitalised on the reprieve. In the 81st minute, Hyeon-Gyu Oh struck to put the Asian side ahead for the first time. His goal proved decisive, handing South Korea all three points in their Group A campaign.
