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South Korea Stuns Czech Republic to Join Mexico Atop Group A

Despite dominating play, South Korea fell behind but staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 thanks to goals from Hwang In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu, moving level on points with Mexico at the top of Group A in 2026 World Cup qualifying.

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South Korea Stuns Czech Republic to Join Mexico Atop Group A
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South Korea overturned Czech Republic 2-1 to move atop Group A of 2026 World Cup qualifying, level on points with Mexico.

Yet the Taeguk Warriors long struggled against Czech goalkeeper Matej Kovar and squandered several clear-cut chances, including a missed one-on-one by Jae-Sung Lee following a superb team move. It was ultimately opposing captain Ladislav Krejci who broke the deadlock with a powerful header from a long throw-in.

South Korea’s response came swiftly. Less than ten minutes after falling behind, Hwang In-Beom, Feyenoord Rotterdam midfielder, equalized by beating his defender and the goalkeeper before finishing into an empty net.

The turning point arrived in the final quarter-hour. Czech Republic thought they had a second goal from a set piece, but an offside flag ruled it out. Two minutes later, the knockout blow: Oh Hyeon-gyu, brought on shortly before, finished a rapid counter-attack to seal victory.

With three points on the board, South Korea trails Mexico only on goal difference and now looks ahead to their next match against the host nation in a week’s time. Czech Republic, meanwhile, must produce a far better display against South Africa to revive their qualifying hopes.

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