Group A:
- South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic
- Mexico 2-0 South Africa
South Korea came from a goal deficit to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 during Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Estadio Guadalajara on Friday.
After a goal-less first half, the game came alive in the second half with the three goals.
Ladislav Krejci headed home the opener for Czech Republic in the 58th minute.
The Wolverhampton Wanderers center half (on loan from Girona) headed home off a long throw-in.
Hwang In-beom replied with a lovely chip in the 66th minute inside the goal area following a well played in through ball by Kang In-Lee.
South Korea took the lead in the 80th minute with Oh Hyeon-gyu’s close range tap-in after Hwang’s teasing ball from the right flank.
After the opening two matches, Mexico tops group A with three points (one goal difference); ahead of South Korea.
South Africa and Czech Republic are yet to pick up any point.
Next matches:
On Friday, 12th June 2026; Canada shall tussle Bosnia & Herzegovina in Group B at 10 PM (East African Time).
Czech Republic returns to action against South Africa on 18th June 2026.
Hosts Mexico who beat South Africa 2-0 on the official opening match will play South Korea on 19th June 2026.
Julian Andres Quinones and Raul Jimenez scored for Mexico in a game that witnessed three red cards.
Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were red carded for South Africa as Ceaser Montes (Mexico) was also sent off for unsporting conduct.
Latin Americans Argentina are the reigning champions of this tournament which has been played since 1930.
