FIFA World Cup
The East Asian side will head into the encounter with a spring in their step after having defeated El Salvador and Trinidad & Tobago in the buildup.
Son Heung-min scored twice in the 5-0 win against Trinidad & Tobago as Korea Republic shrugged off their recent indifferent form to get back on the winning trail.
Skipper Son will play a pivotal role if Korea Republic are to get past the group stage, with co-hosts Mexico and South Africa their other challengers.
Having fallen to Brazil at the last 16 stage in Qatar four years ago, Korea Republic's immediate target will be to get into the Round of 32 of the expanded 48-team tournament.
That they have the players to do so is undeniable, with head coach Hong Myung-bo having a highly experienced squad at his disposal.
Skipper Son will play a pivotal role if Korea Republic are to get past the group stage, with co-hosts Mexico and South Africa their other challengers.
Having fallen to Brazil at the last 16 stage in Qatar four years ago, Korea Republic's immediate target will be to get into the Round of 32 of the expanded 48-team tournament.
That they have the players to do so is undeniable, with head coach Hong Myung-bo having a highly experienced squad at his disposal.
"Our preparation is now complete. I've had many conversations with our players. Every message that I wanted to deliver to them has been understood," said Hong. "Korea Republic has never had a chance to play on the first matchday of the World Cup. We will be under a global spotlight. I'd like our players to feel comfortable in that environment.
"The World Cup is a dream-come-true moment for football players. I feel like we have left no stone unturned in our preparation for this competition. I hope that our players' sacrifices, dedication and struggles together will all pay off and will lead to a good result. Overall, I think they are in good form, and I think we're fully ready today."
Korea Republic, however, will have to tread carefully against Czechia who have been in sterling form and are on a six-match winning run.
They, however, only qualified for the Finals via the UEFA Playoffs, defeating the Republic of Ireland and Denmark on penalties following 2-2 draws with both.
"The World Cup is a dream-come-true moment for football players. I feel like we have left no stone unturned in our preparation for this competition. I hope that our players' sacrifices, dedication and struggles together will all pay off and will lead to a good result. Overall, I think they are in good form, and I think we're fully ready today."
Korea Republic, however, will have to tread carefully against Czechia who have been in sterling form and are on a six-match winning run.
They, however, only qualified for the Finals via the UEFA Playoffs, defeating the Republic of Ireland and Denmark on penalties following 2-2 draws with both.
Fun facts
● This will be Korea Republic’s 12th FIFA World Cup tournament, the most of any Asian nation – 2026 will be their 11th consecutive appearance at the Finals, a run stretching back to 1986. Only Brazil (23), Germany (19), Argentina (14) and Spain (13) are on a longer run of consecutive participations.
● Korea Republic’s best performance came in 2002, when they co-hosted the tournament – they finished fourth. Outside of home soil, Korea Republic have never progressed past the round of 16.
● Korea Republic have the lowest win rate among teams with 30+ FIFA World Cup matches, winning seven of their 38 games — a rate of 18.4%.
● Korea Republic were the only unbeaten side in the AFC Asian Qualifiers™ - Road to 2 – they won 11 and drew five of their 16 matches. The only side they failed to beat were Palestine (D2).
● Son Heung-Min has been directly involved in four of Korea Republic’s last 10 FIFA World Cup goals, scoring three times and delivering one assist. He also recorded the most goal involvements for Korea Republic during the 2026 qualifying campaign (14 – 10 goals, 4 assists).
● Hong Myung-bo will lead Korea Republic at a FIFA World Cup for the second time, having managed the team in 2014, where they failed to win a match (D1 L2). Holding the Asian record of having played in 16 FIFA World Cup matches, Hong captained the side to a fourth-place finish at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Korea Republic v Czechia
Venue: Guadalajara Stadium (Zapopan)
Kickoff: Thursday, 13:00 (UTC-7)
Venue: Guadalajara Stadium (Zapopan)
Kickoff: Thursday, 13:00 (UTC-7)
