South Korea beat Czechia 2-1 in the second match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening day.
The Group A contest followed Mexico’s earlier victory over South Africa at Estadio Azteca, completing a busy first day of competition across the expanded 48-team tournament. South Korea secured three points with a one-goal margin in a match that remained competitive until the final whistle.
Both sides entered the fixture seeking early momentum in a group that also includes the host nation and South Africa. Czechia pushed for an equaliser after falling behind but could not find a second goal to salvage a draw.
Opening-day results often shape the calculus for subsequent group matches, where goal difference and head-to-head records can decide advancement. South Korea’s victory positions the team favourably as the group stage progresses.
Fans in Asia and Europe tracked the match as part of a World Cup spread across North American venues. South Korea will look to carry its form into the next fixture while Czechia must rebound from the narrow loss.
Czechia had chances to level the score in the closing stages but lacked the finishing needed on the opening day of the tournament. South Korea’s midfield controlled tempo during passages that determined whether the match would finish as a one-goal contest.
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Sources:
https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/world-cup-2026-schedule-times-dates/