South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic: Hwang In-Beom with a goal and an assist as the second half turns the match around

South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in the first round of the 2026 World Cup group stage. There were no goals in the first half, and the teams went into the break level at 0-0.

The Czech Republic struck first in the 59th minute, when L. Krejci scored from a V. Coufal assist to make it 1-0. South Korea responded in the 67th minute, with Hwang In-Beom finding the net after a pass from Lee Kang-In to bring the score back to 1-1.

South Korea completed the comeback in the 80th minute, as Oh Hyeon-Gyu scored with Hwang In-Beom providing the assist, putting South Korea ahead 2-1. In stoppage time at 90+6, South Korea's Gi-Hyuk Lee received a yellow card. The match ended with a 2-1 win for South Korea.

Match statistics showed South Korea with 62% possession and the Czech Republic with 38%. Expected goals were 2.00 for South Korea and 0.84 for the Czech Republic. South Korea had 15 shots to the Czech Republic's 8, with 6 shots on target compared with 4. Passing accuracy was 87% for South Korea and 71% for the Czech Republic. South Korea won 4 corners to the Czech Republic's 5, both sides were offside 2 times, South Korea made 3 saves to the Czech Republic's 4, and South Korea committed 9 fouls compared with 16 for the Czech Republic.

Looking ahead, South Korea's next match is against Mexico on 2026-06-19 in Group Stage - 2. South Korea are currently second in Group A after one match, with 3 points from one win, no draws, and no losses, a goal difference of +1, and they are currently in the official qualification places for the Round of 32. The Czech Republic will next face South Africa on 2026-06-18 in Group Stage - 2. The Czech Republic are currently third in Group A after one match, with 0 points from no wins, no draws, and one loss, and a goal difference of -1.