The 2026 FIFA World Cup action continues early Friday morning as South Korea and the Czech Republic lock horns in Guadalajara for their opening Group A fixture.
With co-hosts Mexico already securing three points against South Africa, the pressure is on both the Asian giants and the European dark horses to get early points on the board and keep their knockout stage hopes alive in a highly competitive group.
South Korea: Son Chasing a 40-Year-Old Record
Heading into their 11th consecutive World Cup and 12th overall, an Asian record the Taegeuk Warriors are determined to make a deep run. Manager Hong Myung-bo is seeking redemption after a disappointing group-stage exit during his previous stint in 2014, and his squad arrives in excellent form following dominant warm-up victories over Trinidad & Tobago and El Salvador.
All eyes will naturally be on captain and talisman Son Heung-min. The LAFC forward is on the verge of making history, sitting just two goals away from equaling Cha Bum-kun’s 40-year-old record as South Korea’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Czech Republic: Schick Leads the Line Amid Captaincy Shift
On the other side, the Czech Republic brings physical prowess and European tactical discipline to the table. Their attacking hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, who boasts a lethal record of six goals in seven major tournament appearances.
South Korea Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):
Goalkeeper: Kim Seung-gyu
Defenders: Lee Gi-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom
Midfielders: Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok
Forwards: Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Jae-sung; Son Heung-min
Czech Republic Predicted XI (3-4-2-1):
Goalkeeper: Matej Kovar
Defenders: Martin Chaloupek, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci
Midfielders: Vladimir Coufal, Lukas Cerv, Tomas Soucek, David Jurasek
Forwards: Lukas Provod, Pavel Sulc; Patrik Schick
