South Korea faces Czechia in World Cup opener in Guadalajara

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 11:30 PM

Last updated Jun 11, 2026

South Korea faces Czechia in World Cup opener in Guadalajara
Summary

South Korea opens its World Cup campaign against Czechia on June 11 in Guadalajara, hoping to advance past the group stage like in 2002. This marks South Korea's 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, led by captain Son Heung-Min, who aims to become the nation's top scorer in the tournament's history. Czechia, competing in its second World Cup since the split from Slovakia, qualified through the playoffs, securing a place despite a challenging qualification process. Key players for Czechia include Patrick Schick and Thomas Soucek, while South Korea boasts talents such as Lee Kang-In and Kim Min-Jae. Both teams are eager to make an impact in a tough group that also features Mexico and South Africa.

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Status Watch
  • South Korea qualified unbeaten, finishing top of their AFC qualification group.
  • Czechia secured World Cup qualification after playoff victories against Ireland and Denmark.
  • Son Heung-Min seeks to become South Korea's all-time leading World Cup scorer.
  • Czechia has never advanced beyond group stage as an independent nation.
  • The match is held in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Latest Updates
  • 12:56 AMYahoo SportsWorld Cup: Five Bundesliga stars start South Korea and Czechia duel
  • 11:30 PMYahoo SportsPREVIEW: South Korea kick start World Cup campaign against Czechia
What they're saying
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South Korea face Czech Republic in the second match from Group A at Guadalajara Stadium. The two teams will clash to join Mexico at the top of the group after the co-hosts dispatched South Africa earl...

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South Korea head to their opening match against Czechia in Guadalajara with dreams of reaching the heights of their famous fourth place World Cup finish in 2002, aiming to make it out of the group sta...

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