South Korea vs Czechia — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 1
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Group A's second opener brings South Korea and Czechia together with both sides knowing a strong start could shape the chase behind hosts Mexico. Hong Myung-bo's Koreans arrive built around their Tottenham talisman and a quick, vertical front line; Czechia, under Miroslav Koubek, lean on a sturdy spine and the European pedigree of their Premier League contingent.
This projects as a duel of tempo against structure. Korea will want to turn the game into transitions, running at a back line marshalled by the experienced defenders; Czechia will look to slow it down, dominate second balls and ride set pieces with Tomas Soucek a danger from deep.
Expect a cagey first half before the game opens up. Neither side can afford an early hole in a group where Mexico are favourites and points against fellow chasers carry double weight.
Key storylines
- 01Group A's chasing pack: with Mexico fancied to top the section, the loser here faces an uphill route to the knockouts.
- 02Son Heung-min drives Korea's attack as their most decorated and dangerous forward.
- 03Czechia's set-piece threat: Tomas Soucek's late runs make them a problem from dead balls.
- 04Lee Kang-in's creativity is South Korea's key to unlocking a compact Czech block.
- 05Two contrasting plans: Korean speed in transition versus Czech control and physicality.
Prediction
A tight, low-event contest that turns on one moment. Friendly call: South Korea 1-1 Czechia, with the points shared in a careful opener.
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
South Korea
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Jo Hyeon-Woo (GK)
- 2Kim Moon-Hwan
- 3Kim Min-Jae
- 4Cho Wi-Je
- 5Lee Han-Beom
- 6Hwang In-Beom
- 7Paik Seung-Ho
- 8Lee Kang-In
- 9Son Heung-Min
- 10Hwang Hee-Chan
- 11Oh Hyeon-Gyu
Czechia
Formation 4-3-3- 1Jindrich Stanek (GK)
- 2Vladimir Coufal
- 3Tomas Holes
- 4Robin Hranac
- 5Ladislav Krejci
- 6Tomas Soucek
- 7Michal Sadilek
- 8Lukas Cerv
- 9Adam Hlozek
- 10Patrik Schick
- 11Lukas Provod
Team news
South Korea
- Captain Son Heung-min remains the focal point of everything good in the Korean attack.
- Kim Min-Jae anchors the back line as Korea's most established defender.
- Lee Kang-In is the chief creator tasked with picking the lock against a deep block.
Czechia
- Patrik Schick leads the line as Czechia's primary goal threat.
- Tomas Soucek offers a constant aerial and set-piece menace from midfield.
- Czechia will likely prioritise structure and game management against Korea's pace.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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