7M - World Cup Preview: South Korea vs Czech Republic - prediction, team news, lineups

The 2026 World Cup Group A action gets underway at the Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday as Asian powerhouses South Korea lock horns with a resilient Czech Republic side. While the Taegeuk Warriors enjoyed a smooth path through AFC qualification, the Czechs had to endure maximum drama, securing their ticket to North America via consecutive penalty shootout victories in the UEFA playoffs.

Team News and Tactical Dilemmas

South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo enters the tournament with a fully fit squad but faces a crucial tactical decision regarding his forward line. Captain Son Heung-min, who registered 14 goal involvements during qualification and sits just two goals shy of his nation's all-time scoring record, could lead the attack as a lone striker. If Hong opts for a more traditional physical presence like Oh Hyeon-gyu or Cho Gue-sung, Son will drop into a supporting creative role. Defensively, Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae will marshal a three-man backline.

The Czech Republic also boast a clean bill of health ahead of the opener. Manager Miroslav Koubek is expected to deploy his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, anchored by newly appointed captain Ladislav Krejci in defense. The Czechs will look to maximize their immense physical presence and aerial advantage—having scored 11 of their 22 qualification goals from set pieces. Up front, Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick will lead the line, supported by Lyon's playmaker Pavel Sulc.

Predicted Starting Lineups

South Korea: Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Gi-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom; Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok; Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-min.

Czech Republic: Kovar; Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci; Coufal, Cerv, Soucek, Jurasek; Provod, Sulc; Schick.

Match Prediction: South Korea 1-1 Czech Republic

This opening fixture shapes up to be a highly tactical, cagey affair with very little separating the two teams. South Korea possess the edge in individual attacking flair with Son and Hwang, but the Czech Republic’s defensive organization and lethal efficiency from dead-ball situations make them incredibly difficult to break down. With both nations eager to avoid an opening-day defeat in a group that also features co-hosts Mexico, a hard-fought scoring draw seems the most logical outcome.