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South Korea Beats Czechia, Sets Decisive Clash With Mexico

6/13/2026

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Summary

South Korea Advances

South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara, with Hwang In-Beom scoring the equalizer and assisting the winner.
Mexico opened Group A with a 2-0 win over South Africa before 80,824 fans at Estadio Azteca.
The upcoming South Korea–Mexico match could decide the group leader and a smoother round-of-32 path.
Estadio Guadalajara holds 45,664 spectators, far fewer than the Azteca crowd.

Summary

Koubek Attacks

Czechia head coach Miroslav Koubek, 74, became the oldest World Cup manager, overtaking Hugo Broos, and said his side must attack more in 30 metres while lamenting travel to Atlanta.
South Korea coach Hong Byung-bo urged his team to play as one, noting captain Son Heung-min created five chances and remained goals shy of record with 56 strikes.
Lee Kang-in supplied the through ball that led to Hwang In-beom’s equaliser.

Summary

Oh Hyeon-gyu Scores

Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winner after a 38 °C fever, his 56th goal, near Cha Bum-Kun’s record.
Son Heung-min entered the World Cup goalless after 13 Los Angeles FC matches, leading Coach Hong Myung-Bo to decide whether to keep him or switch to the sharper attack after his substitution.
Czechia’s 1.87 m average height shows a physical style opposite South Korea’s technical play, suggesting South Africa’s clash will test a possession-based approach affecting Group A.

Summary

Czechia Returns

Czechia returned to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 2006, ending a 20-year absence.
South Korea entered the tournament at FIFA rank 25 while Czechia entered at rank 38.
The match in Guadalajara Stadium drew 44,985 spectators, leaving 679 seats empty, mainly in the middle sections.
Al Jazeera provided live-text commentary and a dedicated World Cup 2026 page for fans.

History

Historical Context

In 2002 the first World Cup ever jointly hosted—and the first in Asia—was staged by South Korea and Japan, with South Korea becoming the first non-European or South American side to reach the semi-finals. That breakthrough, achieved after 199 nations competed in qualification, fuels hopes for the 2026 edition where South Korea will meet Czechia and Mexico.

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South Korea Advances

South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in Guadalajara, with Hwang In-Beom scoring the equalizer and assisting the winner.
Mexico opened Group A with a 2-0 win over South Africa before 80,824 fans at Estadio Azteca.
The upcoming South Korea–Mexico match could decide the group leader and a smoother round-of-32 path.
Estadio Guadalajara holds 45,664 spectators, far fewer than the Azteca crowd.

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