South Korea and the Czech Republic debut this Thursday, starting at 11pm (Brasília time), at the Akron stadium, in Jalisco, Mexico. The clash opens the first round of Group A of the 2026 World Cup, which also includes Mexico and South Africa.
South Korea arrives at the tournament as favorites in the group, after an undefeated campaign in the Asian Qualifiers: 11 wins and five draws. It is the 11th consecutive participation of the Asians in the World Cup. In the 2022 edition, in Qatar, they ended up in the round of 16 against Brazil.
The Czech Republic returns to the World Cup after 20 years of absence. Qualified via European repechage, they finished second in their knockout group and beat Ireland and Denmark (on penalties) to secure their place.
Coach Hong Myungbo has assembled a balanced squad, but one of the main attentions falls on Lee Gihyuk. The 25-year-old defender from Gangwon FC is one of the surprises in the squad and could gain important minutes on his debut.
Born on July 7, 2000, in Seoul, Lee Gihyuk is 1.84m tall and preferably plays as a left-handed central defender, a rarity in the South Korean national team. He also plays as a left-back or defensive midfielder, which adds versatility to Hong’s system.
Before the World Cup, Lee played a fundamental role in Gangwon FC’s good defensive phase in the K-League. His presence on the final list of 26 players drew attention as he was only the fourth call-up to the main team, he debuted in 2022 and has only played three games so far.
Versatility is the main asset. Hong Myungbo highlighted that he likes Lee’s ability to play in multiple positions in defense, which helps the team adapt according to the opponent.
In the likely South Korean lineup, Lee Gihyuk appears as an option alongside more experienced names such as Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) and Lee Han-beom. The Asian defense must be tested against Czechia’s strong aerial game.
Probable lineup for South Korea:Jo Hyeonwoo; Lee Hanbeom, Kim Minjae and Lee Gihyuk (or Lee Taeseok); Seol Youngwoo, Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung and Lee Taeseok; Lee Kangin, Hwang Heechan and Son Heung-min.
Led by Son Heung-min, now at Los Angeles FC after a spell at Tottenham, Korea is motivated. In the preparatory friendlies, they beat Trinidad and Tobago 5-0 and beat El Salvador 1-0. The style should be that of a more fixed striker, with a populated midfield and speed on the wings.
On the Czech side, coach Miroslav Kouvek is betting on a physical team. The highlight is Patrik Schick, from Bayer Leverkusen, and Vladimír Coufal’s infiltrations on the right side.
Probable lineup for the Czech Republic:Matej Kovár; Chaloupek, Robin Hranác and Ladislav Krejcí; Vladimír Coufal, Vladimír Darida, Tomáš Soucek, Lukáš Provod, Pavel Šulc and Jaroslav Zelený; Patrick Schick.
The Akron stadium, in Guadalajara, hosts the game as one of the Mexican venues for the World Cup. The pitch should favor the Czech aerial game, which increases the importance of the South Korean defense — and, consequently, of Lee Gihyuk.
ArbitrationReferee: Amin Mohamed (Egypt) Assistant 1: Mahmoud Abouelregal (Egypt) Assistant 2: Ahmed Hossam Taha (Egypt) Fourth referee: Juan Calderon (Costa Rica) VAR: Mahmoud Ashour (Egypt) VAR assistant: Joe Dickerson (United States)
Where to watchBroadcast: Cazé TV Real time: ge follows the match in real time.
Lee Gihyuk: from the K-League to the World Cup stage
Lee Gihyuk’s path to the 2026 World Cup includes Suwon FC, Jeju United and, since 2024, Gangwon FC. In 2025/2026, he has played more than 80 games for his current club, with solid numbers in interceptions and aerial duels.
His call sparked debate in Korea. Many saw it as a surprise, but the consistent performance at Gangwon, especially the defense that stood out in the national league, convinced Hong Myungbo.
Being left-handed in a right-handed position gives the coach different tactical options. Against the Czech Republic, which exploits set pieces and crosses, having a defender with a good left foot can help with ball delivery and balance.
Lee still has a few minutes left in the national shirt, but the moment is ripe for opportunity. Korea needs depth in the squad to handle the pace of a World Cup with games every few days.
What’s at stake in Group A
Group A is balanced. Mexico plays at home and will be favorites, but Korea and Czechia are fighting directly for a place in the round of 16. A good result on debut is worth its weight in gold.
Korea dreams of repeating 2002 (semifinal) or at least advancing from the group stage like in 2022. Czechia, back after two decades, wants to surprise.
Lee Gihyuk represents the new generation that can support superstars like Son, Kim Min-jae and Lee Kang-in. His performance could be decisive not only against the Czechs, but throughout the campaign.
The match in Mexico also marks the indirect reunion of styles: Asian technique and speed against European physicality. The South Korean midfield, with Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung, will be essential in containing the Czechs’ initial momentum.
Preparation and expectations
In pre-World Cup training, Korea worked a lot on defensive variations. Lee Gihyuk trained alongside Kim Min-jae and earned praise from the coaching staff for his dedication.
The absence of serious injuries in the squad is a relief, although some starters have had irregular seasons at the clubs. Son Heung-min, for example, seeks to rediscover the best football on Mexican soil.
For the Czech Republic, returning to the World Cup is a celebration. Patrik Schick is going through a good phase at Leverkusen and will be the main threat.
Egyptian referee Amin Mohamed commands the game, with a mostly Egyptian quartet on VAR. Firm refereeing is expected in a duel that promises physical contact.
The exclusive broadcast on Cazé TV takes the game throughout Brazil. Those who can’t watch live follow the bids on ge.
History and numbers
Korea and Czechia have faced each other a few times. The record is balanced, but in World Cups it is the first duel. Korea has slight favoritism for the stars and the current stage.
Lee Gihyuk, with his height and strength, should help contain Schick. His aerial game and ability to anticipate will be tested.
At 25 years old, the defender is at the peak of his career. Playing in a World Cup is every athlete’s dream — for him, the realization came sooner than expected.
Experienced coach Hong Myungbo knows how to measure minutes. Lee could start on the bench or come on in the second half, depending on how things go.
Whatever the role, Lee Gihyuk’s presence symbolizes the renewal of South Korean defense. The future of the team depends on names like him.
The ball rolls at 11pm. South Korea is looking for the three points to start ahead in Group A, while Czechia wants to surprise on their return to the big stage.
