South Korea vs Czech Republic Preview, Prediction & Team News – FIFA World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 continues with an intriguing Group A clash as South Korea face the Czech Republic in their opening match of the tournament. Both nations arrive in strong form and will view this fixture as a crucial opportunity to take an early step toward the knockout rounds.

South Korea Eye Strong Start in Their 12th World Cup

South Korea enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup as one of Asia's most consistent performers on the international stage. The Taegeuk Warriors are set to participate in their 12th World Cup finals, the most appearances by any Asian nation, while extending their remarkable run to 11 consecutive tournaments.

Despite their impressive qualification record, South Korea have historically struggled to make deep runs at the World Cup. Since making their debut in 1986, they have recorded only seven victories in 38 World Cup matches, with their famous run to the semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002 remaining their greatest achievement.

Head coach Hong Myung-bo, captain of the legendary 2002 squad, returns to the World Cup stage as manager. He will be hoping for a much better outcome than in 2014, when South Korea were eliminated in the group stage.

The Koreans enjoyed an outstanding qualification campaign, becoming the only unbeaten team in AFC qualifying. They won 11 matches and drew five while scoring an impressive 40 goals. Their only dropped points came against Palestine, who managed two draws against the Asian giants.

Ranked 25th in the latest FIFA World Rankings, South Korea head into the tournament full of confidence after recent victories over Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador.

Czech Republic Return After 20-Year Absence

The Czech Republic are back at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since Germany 2006 and arrive with momentum on their side.

Their road to qualification was far from straightforward. After finishing behind Croatia in their UEFA qualifying group, the Czechs were forced into the playoffs. They showed great character by defeating both the Republic of Ireland and Denmark on penalties following dramatic 2-2 draws.

Veteran coach Miroslav Koubek has brought stability and experience to the national team, helping them build a winning mentality ahead of the tournament.

The Czech Republic have won six consecutive matches heading into the World Cup, including recent victories over Kosovo and Guatemala. Their confidence is high, and they will believe they have a genuine chance of progressing from Group A.

One of their greatest strengths remains their physical presence and effectiveness from set pieces. Half of their qualifying goals came from dead-ball situations, making them one of the most dangerous aerial teams in the tournament.

Team News

South Korea

Captain Son Heung-min remains the team's biggest star and is just two goals away from becoming South Korea's all-time leading goalscorer.

The experienced forward has been directly involved in four of South Korea's last ten World Cup goals and registered 14 goal contributions during qualifying.

Supporting Son in attack are several talented players, including Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Lee Kang-in.

Defensively, Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae will marshal the back line. However, defender Cho Yu-min misses out through injury after suffering a foot problem.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic will rely heavily on Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who scored five goals during qualification and has an excellent record in major international tournaments.

Creative midfielder Pavel Sulc is expected to play a key role behind the striker, while experienced West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek provides leadership and physicality in midfield.

Ladislav Krejci is likely to captain the side from defense, while goalkeeper Matej Kovar could retain his place after his heroics during the playoff campaign.

South Korea (3-4-2-1)

Czech Republic (3-4-2-1)

Match Prediction

Both teams arrive in excellent form, making this one of the most evenly matched opening fixtures in Group A. South Korea possess greater pace and technical quality in attack, while the Czech Republic have the physical advantage and are particularly dangerous from set pieces.

The presence of Son Heung-min could ultimately prove decisive in a tightly contested match.

Prediction: South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic

Expect an entertaining contest with chances at both ends, but South Korea's attacking quality may give them the edge and three valuable points.