South Korea and Czech Republic begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 journey on Thursday in a Group A encounter that could play a major role in shaping the battle for qualification to the knockout stages.
The match follows the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa, with both teams looking to make an early statement in a group where every point could prove decisive.
South Korea arrive at the World Cup after a mixed run of results in recent international friendlies, recording three wins and two defeats from their last five matches. Despite those setbacks, coach Myung-Bo Hong will be confident in a squad that combines experience with quality across the pitch.
The Koreans are led by captain Son Heung-min, who joined Los Angeles FC after a successful spell in the Premier League. They also boast the presence of Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae and Paris Saint-Germain playmaker Lee Kang-in, two players expected to play key roles during the tournament.
The Czech Republic enter the competition in impressive form. Miroslav Koubek’s side have won their last five matches and will be aiming to carry that momentum onto the biggest stage in international football.
Much of their threat comes from striker Patrik Schick, who enjoyed another productive season in front of goal and is expected to lead the attack. Midfielder Tomas Soucek remains the heartbeat of the team, while goalkeeper Matej Kovar and defender Ladislav Krejci provide stability at the back.
Meetings between the two nations have been rare. The Czech Republic recorded a dominant 5-0 victory in a friendly in 2001, but South Korea gained revenge with a 2-1 win in Prague in 2016.
With Mexico and South Africa also competing in Group A, both teams know that a positive result could provide a valuable advantage in the race for a place in the last 16.
Possible line-ups
South Korea (3-4-2-1): Kim Seung-Gyu; Cho Yu-min, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-Beom; Kim Moon-Hwan, Kim Jin-Gyu, Paik Seung-Ho, Castrop; Bae Jun-Ho, Lee Kang-in; Son Heung-min.
Czech Republic (4-2-3-1): Kovar; Coufal, Hranac, Krejci, Jurasek; Soucek, Darida; Provod, Sulc, Hlozek; Schick.
