Czech Republic Start World Cup Campaign with Defeat to South Korea

The Czech Republic made a disappointing start to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite taking the lead, Miroslav Koubek’s side were beaten 2–1 by South Korea in Guadalajara, Mexico.

The Czech national team opened their 2026 World Cup campaign with a defeat. The team coached by Miroslav Koubek lost 2–1 to South Korea in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Everything had initially gone according to plan. Captain Ladislav Krejčí put the Czech Republic ahead in the 59th minute. However, the lead did not last long, as Hwang In-beom equalised shortly afterwards. In the 80th minute, substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu completed the turnaround in favour of the South Koreans.

The Czech side had good opportunities to level the score and secure an important point. A goal by Tomáš Souček was ruled out for a marginal offside decision. Adam Hložek and Michal Sadílek were both denied by the impressive South Korean goalkeeper.

“We had the chance to take a point,” national team coach Miroslav Koubek said immediately after the match. At the same time, he admitted that South Korea had been the stronger side for large periods of the game.

The tournament now continues on American soil for the Czech Republic. Their next group match will take place on 18 June in Atlanta against South Africa. Following the opening defeat, the team are already under pressure to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

2026 FIFA World Cup
South Korea – Czech Republic 2:1 (0:0)
Goals: 59' Krejčí 0:1, 67' Hwang In-beom 1:1, 80' Oh Hyeon-gyu 2:1
Venue: Estadio Guadalajara, Guadalajara (Mexico) | 12 June 2026



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