The Czech Republic football team lost 2-1 to South Korea in their opening Group A World Cup match on June 8, 2026, in Guadalajara, Mexico [1, 2, 3, 4].
Ladislav Krejci gave the Czech team an early lead with a headed goal. However, South Korea equalised through Hwang In-beom and went on to score the winning goal, assisted by substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu [2, 4]. The final score reflected South Korea's rally from behind.
Coach Miroslav Koubek, 74, who took over after a difficult qualifying campaign that included an embarrassing loss to the Faroe Islands, said: "The better team won." He praised South Korea's speed and called their key player Son Heung-min a "true legend" [1, 2, 4]. Koubek acknowledged that his team needs more creativity and aggression in the final third, saying, "We need to be more attacking and creative in the last 30 metres. In the attack we have room for improvement." [2]
The Czech team has relied on a combative, physical style due to lacking big-name stars but aims to emphasize discipline and team unity, fulfilling their childhood dreams as motivation [1, 3].
Key players Patrik Schick and Pavel Sulc were substituted in the second half due to exhaustion in warm weather conditions [2, 4]. Alexandr Sojka had a notable midfield performance, winning his first competitive cap for the country [2, 4].
Koubek said the team faces logistical challenges due to extensive travel, with their next match scheduled in Atlanta against South Africa on June 18, while Mexico faces South Korea in the same group [2, 4]. He said, "We just have to live with it because that is what others planned for us. Our logistics team is good but it is not ideal we have to travel that much." [2]
The Czech Republic returns to the World Cup for the first time in 20 years after navigating tough playoffs under Koubek's leadership [1, 3]. Their Group A campaign continues against South Africa and Mexico as they seek their first points.
