South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic: Oh Hyeon-gyu Completes World Cup Comeback

South Korea began their World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Czech Republic in Group A, as substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the decisive goal in the closing stages.

Hong Myung-bo’s side had controlled long periods of the match but were forced to recover after Ladislav Krejci headed Czech Republic in front just before the hour mark. Hwang In-beom levelled with a composed finish before turning provider for Oh, whose 80th-minute tap-in gave South Korea a valuable opening win.

The result gives South Korea an excellent platform in Group A and increases the pressure on Czech Republic, who looked set to frustrate the Taeguk Warriors before being undone by South Korea’s late attacking push.

South Korea Dominate but Czech Republic Strike First

South Korea started with greater control, using their technical quality to move the ball through midfield and stretch Czech Republic across the pitch. Son Heung-min, captaining his country again on the World Cup stage, was heavily involved from the opening stages and carried much of the attacking responsibility.

The former Tottenham forward attempted five of South Korea’s eight first-half efforts, constantly looking to create space for a shot or combine with Lee Kang-in around the final third. His clearest chance came when he forced goalkeeper Matej Kovar into an important block, but Czech Republic survived the early pressure.

Czech Republic offered very little in open play during the first half and did not register a shot on target until the goal. Their plan was clear: stay compact, absorb South Korea’s pressure and look for moments from set pieces and long throws.

That approach paid off in the 59th minute. Vladimir Coufal launched a long throw into the box, and captain Ladislav Krejci rose highest to head Czech Republic into the lead. It was a classic Czech goal: physical, direct and built around aerial power.

Hwang In-beom Sparks South Korea Fightback

Going behind could have rattled South Korea, especially after they had controlled so much of the game without scoring. Instead, they responded with urgency and intelligence.

Eight minutes after Krejci’s opener, Hwang In-beom brought South Korea level with a clever finish. Lee Kang-in, one of the liveliest players on the pitch, found Hwang inside the penalty area, and the midfielder showed excellent composure as Kovar rushed off his line.

Rather than shooting immediately, Hwang shaped as if to strike, deceived the goalkeeper, then lifted the ball into the unguarded net. It was a calm and technically sharp moment from a player better known for his midfield control than penalty-box finishing.

The equaliser changed the match. South Korea’s confidence returned, the tempo increased and Czech Republic were forced to defend deeper. Hong’s side began to look more dangerous every time they moved the ball into wide areas.

Czech Goal Ruled Out Before Oh Hits Winner

Czech Republic thought they had regained the lead in the 78th minute when Tomas Soucek headed in from a free-kick delivered from the left. For a moment, South Korea looked to have been punished by another dead-ball situation.

However, the goal was ruled out for offside, handing the Taeguk Warriors a major reprieve. It proved to be the turning point of the match.

Only moments later, South Korea punished Czech Republic at the other end. Hwang, already the scorer of the equaliser, found space to deliver a dangerous cross into the box. Substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu reacted quickest and tapped home from close range to complete the comeback.

It was a major moment for Oh, who had been tipped as one of South Korea’s important attacking options heading into the tournament. His movement gave the Czech defence a different problem, and his finishing touch turned pressure into three points.

Kim Seung-gyu Preserves the Lead

South Korea still had to survive a tense finish. Czech Republic, suddenly chasing the game, threw more players forward and began to create their best chances of the match.

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu produced a crucial low save in the 82nd minute to deny Adam Hlozek from close range. It was the kind of intervention that can define a World Cup opener, especially in a group where every point may matter.

Kim was called upon again in stoppage time, this time keeping out Michal Sadilek as Czech Republic searched desperately for an equaliser. Those saves ensured South Korea’s attacking comeback was not wasted.

For all the focus on Son, Lee Kang-in, Hwang and Oh, Kim’s late contributions were just as important. South Korea needed their goalkeeper to deliver in the pressure moments, and he did.

What the Result Means for Group A

This victory is a significant result for South Korea. It is the first time in four World Cup editions that they have opened their campaign with a win, and it gives them confidence before a major test against Mexico.

Hong Myung-bo will be encouraged by the response after falling behind. South Korea dominated for long spells, created chances, recovered from a set-piece setback and showed enough character to win late. That combination matters in tournament football.

Czech Republic, meanwhile, will see this as a missed opportunity. They were not fluent in possession, but their set-piece plan nearly earned them something. Krejci’s goal and Soucek’s disallowed header showed their biggest weapon, yet they could not hold the lead or protect the draw.

The result leaves Czech Republic under early pressure before their next Group A fixture, while South Korea can approach the Mexico match with belief and momentum.

Final Verdict

South Korea deserved credit for their persistence and composure. They dominated much of the contest, refused to panic after conceding and found two decisive moments through Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu.

Czech Republic were competitive and dangerous from set pieces, but their lack of attacking threat from open play made it difficult to protect their advantage once South Korea raised the tempo.

Final score: South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic.