Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2026 World Cup
Group A
South Korea vs Czechia
Estadio Akron, Zapopan, Mexico
Friday, 12 June 2026
04:00
South Korea and Czechia kick off their 2026 World Cup campaigns in a fascinating Group A clash on 12 June.
Head-to-head
The two nations have met three times in friendlies, with South Korea holding a psychological edge. The most recent encounter was in June 2016, when South Korea won 2-1 in Prague.
Overall, South Korea have one win, Czechia one win, and one draw.
Historically limited meetings mean this World Cup opener will feel fresh for both sides, with Czechia returning to the tournament for the first time since 2006.
Team News
South Korea, who are under Hong Myung-bo, will be without defender Cho Yu-min due to injury which ruled him out of the World Cup.
Czechia - managed by Miroslav Koubek - have welcomed back Adam Hložek from an injury ahead of the tournament.
Key Players
Son Heung-min is South Korea's captain and all-time leading scorer.
The Los Angeles FC attacker's pace, finishing and leadership make him the match-winner who can decide the game in a moment.
Patrik Schick, on the other hand, is Czechia’s main goal threat and focal point in attack.
A clinical finisher with great aerial ability and a powerful shot, the Bayer Leverkusen attacker can trouble any defence in Group A when on form.
Quotes
“South Korea’s Son Heung-min is a magnificent player, so we have deployed analysts since the March international break to conduct an in-depth analysis of him. He is to South Korea what Messi is to Argentina and Ronaldo is to Portugal," Czechia head coach Miroslav Koubek said about South Korea and Son Heung-min.
"Korea is a strong team, but the ball is round. In football, there is no such thing as an opponent you can never beat.” “Of course we will play for victory from the first match.”
2026 World Cup - Group A Full Fixtures
21:00 — Thursday, 11 June 2026
Mexico vs South Africa
04:00 — Friday, 12 June 2026
South Korea vs Czechia
18:00 — Thursday, 18 June 2026
Czechia vs South Africa
03:00 — Friday, 19 June 2026
Mexico vs South Korea
03:00 — Wednesday, 24 June 2026
Czechia vs Mexico
03:00 — Thursday, 25 June 2026
South Africa vs South Korea
Kick start a non-stop world of sports with the 2026 World Cup!
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