South Korea and the Czech Republic face each other this Thursday, starting at 11pm (Brasília time), at the Akron stadium, in Jalisco, Mexico. The clash marks the first round of Group A of the 2026 World Cup, which also includes Mexico and South Africa.
Classified undefeated in the Asian Qualifiers, with 11 wins and five draws, South Korea arrives for its 11th consecutive participation in the tournament. In 2022, in Qatar, he stopped in the round of 16 against Brazil. The Czech Republic returns after 20 years of absence, having advanced through the play-offs after finishing second in their European bracket, eliminating Ireland and Denmark on penalties.
Coach Hong Myungbo has an experienced squad, but has options on the bench that can decide balanced games. One name that gains attention is Lee Donggyeong, Ulsan HD’s attacking midfielder who appears as an alternative in the South Korean attack.
Lee Donggyeong, Ulsan’s creative who shines in preparation
Born on September 20, 1997, in Daegu, Lee Donggyeong is 28 years old and 1.75m tall. He plays mainly as an attacking midfielder, with the ability to create plays, medium-range shots and good passing. He wears the number 10 shirt for Ulsan HD and is coming off a strong season in the K-League 1 2026, where he registered five goals and three assists in around 1,015 minutes, with an average rating of 7.39.
In 2025, he was elected MVP of K-League 1, which helped consolidate his call-up to the World Cup. Hong Myungbo highlighted that Lee brings energy and quality to Korean football, in a group that has stars such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan. The internal competition is great, but the midfielder has shown versatility in friendlies.
In the last test against El Salvador, Lee Donggyeong came on and scored the winning goal for 1-0, with a free kick in the 57th minute. It was his fourth goal for the senior team, in 18 matches played until the beginning of June 2026. He has also been highlighted in other recent moments, such as a backheel goal against the United States in 2025.
His presence on the bench could be crucial against the Czech Republic, who have a physical and strong aerial style. Lee offers creation and finishing options from outside the box, complementing the attack led by Son Heung-min.
Probable South Korean casting and Lee’s role
The tendency is for Hong Myungbo to start with a cautious scheme, prioritizing a populated midfield and speed on the sides.
Probable lineup: Jo Hyeonwoo; Lee Hanbeom, Kim Minjae and Lee Gihyuk; Seol Youngwoo, Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung and Lee Taeseok; Lee Kangin, Hwang Heechan and Son Heungmin.
Lee Donggyeong appears as the main substitute, especially for Hwang Heechan or in offensive variations. He can come in to provide more dynamism in the second half, exploring spaces left by the Czech defense. Other names in the mix include Lee Jaesung and Hwang Inbeom, forming a deep creative sector.
Czech Republic and the physical challenge
The European team arrives motivated after returning to the World Cup. Led by coach Miroslav Kouvek, they rely on a physical style, with good aerial play and infiltrations from the right, through Vladimír Coufal, from Hoffenheim.
In attack, Patrik Schick, from Bayer Leverkusen, is the main reference. The likely Czech lineup: Matej Kovár; Chaloupek, Robin Hranác and Ladislav Krejcí; Vladimír Coufal, Vladimír Darida, Tomáš Soucek, Lukáš Provod, Pavel Šulc and Jaroslav Zelený; Patrick Schick.
South Korea has slight favoritism, but the confrontation should be balanced. Czechia can exploit set pieces, while the Asians look for speed and quick transitions.
Bigger context: what Lee Donggyeong represents for Korean football
The presence of players like Lee Donggyeong at the World Cup reinforces the South Korean tradition of revealing K-League talents that complement stars playing in Europe. While Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae are global references, midfielders like Lee bring the pace and intensity of local football, which is known for its high competitiveness.
Since his debut for the national team, Lee has accumulated important contributions. His numbers in 2026 for the national team show progress: two games and one goal so far. In the K-League, his consistency as Ulsan’s number 10 places him as one of the country’s top creators.
Hong Myungbo has praised the group for its depth. In a World Cup with an expanded format, having options on the bench like Lee can make a difference in games that are decided in detail, especially in a group that requires at least two advancements to dream of reaching the round of 16.
Refereeing and game details
The referee will be Amin Mohamed, from Egypt, assisted by Mahmoud Abouelregal and Ahmed Hossam Taha (also Egyptians). Fourth referee: Juan Calderon (Costa Rica). VAR: Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt) and assistant Joe Dickerson (United States).
The Akron stadium, in Guadalajara, is one of the 16 venues for the 2026 World Cup and should receive a good crowd, with South Korean fans present.
Where to watch live
The transmission is carried out by Cazé TV. ge tracks all bids in real time.
For South Korea, the duel serves as an initial test of a cycle that seeks to surpass the round of 16. For Lee Donggyeong, it’s the opportunity to prove himself on a global stage, stepping out of the shadow of bigger names and contributing to the South Korean dream.
The game promises to be the first chapter of a campaign that could hold surprises, with the Ulsan midfielder ready to step in and influence when called upon.
