Hwang In-beom goal and assist rescues South Korea from Czech Republic deficit at World Cup

South Korea overturned a one-goal deficit to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday, with Hwang In-beom at the heart of the comeback in Group A of the 2026 World Cup.

After a flat first half that drew jeers from the crowd as both teams left the pitch, the Czech Republic broke the deadlock in the 59th minute. Captain Ladislav Krejci rose to head home from a long throw-in into the penalty area, giving the Czechs — making their first World Cup appearance since 2006 — a deserved lead.

South Korea levelled eight minutes later through Hwang, who produced a composed finish after faking a shot to wrong-foot two Czech defenders. The midfielder then turned provider in the 80th minute, crossing from the right flank for Oh Hyeon-gyu to tap in the decisive goal and seal the three points.

Led by captain Son Heung-min, South Korea controlled possession and created the majority of the meaningful chances throughout the match. The Koreans, ranked 25th by FIFA, had struggled to convert their early opportunities against the 38th-ranked Czechs before Hwang’s decisive contribution changed the game.

The match was played in front of a noticeably sparse crowd at the 45,664-capacity venue, with an announced attendance of 44,985 but large sections of empty seats visible across the stands.

Elsewhere in Group A on Thursday, co-host Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 in the tournament opener in Mexico City.