South Korea defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in a World Cup Group A match at the Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico on Friday, June 12, 2026.
National midfielder In-beom Hwang led the victory by scoring the equalizing goal and assisting the game-winner.
The match began at 4:00 AM Dutch time, marking the first of four scheduled World Cup games at the venue.
Security at the stadium remained stable following a military operation against a drug cartel earlier this year.
South Korea controlled the early offense, with Czech goalkeeper Matěj Kovář saving a 12th-minute shot from Kang-in Lee.
Kovář made consecutive saves against Hwang and Heung-min Son at the start of the second half.
The Czech Republic opened the scoring against the run of play in the 59th minute. Ladislav Krejčí scored a header following a long throw-in executed by Vladimír Coufal.
Hwang equalized for South Korea in the 67th minute by netting a chip shot after a solo run.
Hyeon-gyu Oh scored the decisive goal ten minutes before the final whistle by tapping in a pass from Hwang.
Hwang was substituted six minutes before the end of regulation time under applause from the South Korean supporters.
Group A is currently led by tournament host Mexico, which defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match on Thursday.
