The teams from South Korea and the Czech Republic will take the field this Thursday, with the ball rolling at 11pm (Brasília time), at the Akron stadium, located in Jalisco, Mexico. This clash between Asian and European teams marks the opening of Group A of the World Cup, which also includes teams from Mexico and South Africa.
Fans will be able to follow the full unfolding of the match, with up-to-the-minute coverage on the main sports channels.
Arriving at the tournament with an impressive unbeaten record in the Qualifiers, with 11 wins and five draws, South Korea guarantees its 11th consecutive appearance in the World Cup. In the last edition, in 2022, in Qatar, the Asian team’s journey ended in the round of 16, after being overcome by Brazil.
In a long-awaited return, the Czech Republic marks its return to the main stage of global football after a gap of two decades. The European team secured their place in the tournament by finishing second in their group in the Qualifiers, qualifying for the play-offs. In the knockout format, the Czechs overcame Ireland and, in a crucial match, secured qualification over Denmark through penalty kicks.
Analysis of the South Korean team, led by Hong Myungbo
With renowned striker Heung-min Son, who had a remarkable spell at Tottenham and now plays for Los Angeles FC, the South Korean team shows great enthusiasm for the competition. The Asian team is coming off positive results in preparation friendlies, with a 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago and a 1-0 victory against El Salvador.
Midfielder Vladimír Darida should start for the Czech Republic in today’s match against South Korea.
The experienced 35-year-old midfielder, who plays for Hradec Králové, returned from international retirement to help the team at the 2026 World Cup and is tipped to form the midfield alongside the likes of Tomáš Souček and Lukáš Provod. With his vision of the game, experience accumulated in 76 games for the national team and ability to dictate the pace, Darida will be essential in controlling the midfield and supporting the defense against the South Koreans’ quick transitions, in the two teams’ debut in the Group
The expected strategy for the team includes the use of a single striker, prioritizing the strength of the midfield and agility in plays on the sides of the pitch to create opportunities.
South Korea’s possible starting lineup should feature Jo Hyeonwoo in goal; a defensive line consisting of Lee Hanbeom, Kim Minjae and Lee Gihyuk; in midfield, Seol Youngwoo, Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung and Lee Taeseok; and in the offensive sector, Lee Kangin, Hwang Heechan (with Lee Donggyeong as an alternative) and Son Heungmin.
Expectations for the Czech Republic under Miroslav Kouvek
With a characteristic style of physical play and a strong presence in the air, the Czech team intends to exploit the right flank of the attack to put pressure on South Korea, counting on the infiltrations of Vladimír Coufal, an athlete from Hoffenheim. The main scoring chances should come from the feet of Patrik Schick, Bayer Leverkusen’s center forward.
The Czech Republic’s probable lineup features Matej Kovár as goalkeeper; in defense, Chaloupek, Robin Hranác and Ladislav Krejcí; the midfield will have Vladimír Coufal, Vladimír Darida, Tomáš Soucek, Lukáš Provod, Pavel Šulc and Jaroslav Zelený; and in command of the attack, Patrik Schick.
Referee team assigned to the match
The match will be led by referee Amin Mohamed, from Egypt. He will have the help of assistants Mahmoud Abouelregal and Ahmed Hossam Taha, both also Egyptians. The fourth referee will be Juan Calderon, from Costa Rica. In the VAR room, responsibility will fall to Mahmoud Ashour, from Egypt, and his assistant Joe Dickerson, from the United States.
Game broadcast channels
Fans will be able to follow the live broadcast of the match on Cazé TV. For real-time coverage and every play, updates will be available on the main sports portals.
