The FIFA World Cup 2026 is all set to kick off on June 11 with the hosts Mexico facing South Africa. Following the opening match, the second match will be played between the Asian giants, South Korea and the Czech Republic, of Group A in the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match will be played at iconic Estadio Zapopan in Guadalajara, Mexico, while it will kick off at 8:00 p.m. CST (7:30 am IST)
South Africa will head into the World Cup after an impressive show at the AFC Qualifying stages, as they were unbeaten in their 16 matches and conceded just 8 goals in the tournament.
Czechia, which finished as runners-up in their UEFA qualifying group behind a dominant Croatia side, found themselves navigating the Playoff route. It proved to be a nerve-wracking journey, yet they held their composure when it mattered most – eliminating both the Republic of Ireland and Denmark through penalty shootouts to secure their place at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Head-to-Head
South Korea and Czechia have faced each other three times in international football, and both the teams have secured one victory each, while the remaining encounter ended in a draw.
Their most recent meeting came in June 2016, when South Korea secured a 2-1 win over Czechia in an international friendly played in Prague.
South Korea and Czech Republic recent form?
Czechia will head into the match with a winning momentum as they defeated Kosovo and Guatemala in their pre-World Cup friendlies. Ahead of the friendlies, they defeated Denmark and Ireland on penalties in the UEFA qualifying playoffs, and also thrashed Gibraltar.
South Korea, on the other hand, has been in decent form recently. They defeated El Salvador and thrashed Trinidad and Tobago in the pre-World Cup friendlies, but also suffered defeat at the hands of Austria and the Ivory Coast.
Team News and Updates
Czechia head coach Ivan Koubek will face a huge dilemma ahead of the match. With Adam Hložek recently returning from injury and both Pavel Šulc and Lukáš Provod pushing for starting spots, the manager must decide which attacking duo will line up behind star striker Patrik Schick.
Whereas, South Korea has injury concerns of their own. Young winger Bae Jun-ho remains a doubt after picking up an ankle issue, while left-back Lee Tae-seok has boosted the team’s hopes by returning to training following a calf problem.
FIFA World Cup 2026: South Korea vs Czech Republic Probable Playing XI
South Korea Probable Playing XI
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeonwoo, Kim Seunggyu, Song Bumkeun
Defenders: Kim Minjae, Lee Hanbeom, Kim Taehyeon, Park Jinseob, Lee Kihyuk, Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo, Jens Castrop, Kim Moonhwan, Cho Wije*
Midfielders: Yang Hyunjun, Paik Seungho, Hwang Inbeom, Kim Jinkyu, Bae Junho, Eom Jisung, Hwang Heechan, Lee Donggyeong, Lee Jaesung, Lee Kangin
Forwards: Oh Hyeongyu, Son Heungmin, Cho Guesung
Czechia Probable Playing XI
Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek.
Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Juraek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima.
Midfielders: Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky.
Forwards: Tomas Chory, Adam Hlozek, Mojmir Chytil, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick.
Match Prediction
This match will be a closely fought contest as both sides possess genuine quality in the final third. The Czech Republic’s superior momentum, Ivan Koubek’s well-drilled setup, and the ever-reliable Patrik Schick give them a slight edge heading into this encounter. South Korea will certainly threaten through Son Heung-min’s brilliance, but their inconsistent pre-tournament form is a concern.
Our Prediction: Czechia are tipped to edge this one in a tight, competitive battle – with the predicted score landing at 2-1 in favour of Czech Republic
