South Korea came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 at Estadio Guadalajara, with Hwang and In-Beom scoring a goal and setting up another in a comeback win in the second match of the 2026 World Cup.
South Korea were the better side for most of the contest but fell behind after several missed chances from Son Heung-min, before Ladislav Krejci headed home from a long throw-in to put the Czechs ahead.
The lead proved short-lived, though. Czech Republic’s advantage lasted only eight minutes, as Hwang In-Beom levelled after cutting inside from a pass by Kang-In Lee and clipping a finish inside the post
Hwang then turned creator, crossing from the right flank for substitute Oh Hyeon-Gyu to score the winner in the 80th minute
It marked South Korea’s first opening-stage World Cup win since 2010, the win also moved them level on points with Mexico at the top of Group A.
Oh later revealed he had been battling illness before the match, while Czech coach Miroslav Koubek admitted “probably the better team won,” though he felt his side could have at least earned a draw.
