South Korea - Czech Republic / 2026 FIFA World Cup

Follow the LIVE broadcast of the South Korea vs. Czech Republic match in Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on ŠPORT.sk! The match, also broadcast live on JOJ Šport, kicks off at 4:00 AM.

The Mexican city of Zapopan will host a crucial tactical battle. The second Group A encounter between the Czech Republic and South Korea will significantly impact their progression hopes, as only the top two teams are guaranteed a spot in the knockout stage.

Competing against hosts Mexico and South Africa, neither side can afford an early slip-up. The challenging conditions at an altitude of around 2,000 meters suggest that instead of reckless attacking, we'll likely see a cautious, strategic clash of two distinct styles. On paper, expectations are for a closely contested match and a shared spoils.

For our Western neighbors, this match holds a special significance. The Czechs are returning to the world stage after a two-decade absence, securing their definitive spot in the tournament only after nail-biting playoff shootouts against Ireland and Denmark. However, the team, led by 74-year-old strategist Miroslav Koubek, has hit a superb run of form.

The experienced manager took over the squad after a disappointing qualifying phase and is currently on a six-game winning streak, confirmed by victories over Kosovo (2-1) and Guatemala (3-1) during their June training camp. Ladislav Krejčí will wear the captain's armband, replacing Tomáš Souček. Koubek's selection will rely on aerial dominance and deadly set-pieces, which accounted for half of their qualifying goals. Patrik Schick from Leverkusen will lead the attack, supplied by the creative Pavel Šulc.

However, the Asian giant won't go down without a fight. South Korea is participating in its twelfth World Cup (eleventh in a row), a regional record. The team, which navigated Asian qualifiers undefeated, is led by Hong Myung-bo – the legendary captain from their successful home World Cup in 2002.

The Koreans fine-tuned their form in the USA, defeating Trinidad and Tobago (5-0) and El Salvador (2-1). Although their Round of 16 ambitions were slightly complicated by the injury to center-back Cho Yu-min, who was quickly replaced by Jo Wi-je, the defense will be firmly marshaled by Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich. Their biggest offensive weapon will be captain Son Heung-min from LAFC, who is just two goals shy of equaling Cha Bum-kun's historic national record.