This Thursday, two teams with different histories in world football meet for the first round of Group A of the 2026 World Cup. South Korea and the Czech Republic will play the match at the Akron stadium, located in Jalisco, Mexico, with the start scheduled for 11pm, Brasília time. This clash is crucial for the start of both teams’ trajectory in the tournament, which also features Mexico and South Africa in the same group.
With an impeccable performance in the Qualifiers, the South Koreans secured their place undefeated, recording eleven wins and five draws. The Asian nation marks its eleventh consecutive World Cup appearance, demonstrating remarkable consistency. In the last World Cup, in 2022, South Korea’s campaign was interrupted in the round of 16 by the Brazilian team.
On the other hand, the Czech team returns to the World Cup scene after an absence of two decades, a significant achievement that highlights the overcoming. The classification was obtained after placing second in their group in the Qualifiers, which guaranteed a place in the repechage. In knockout matches, the Czech Republic beat Ireland and, in the decision for a place, eliminated Denmark in a thrilling penalty shootout, consolidating their return to the big tournament.
The formation of South Korea under Hong Myungbo
With striker Heung-min Son, who shone at Tottenham and now plays for Los Angeles FC, South Korea is showing great enthusiasm for the tournament. The team’s preparation included two victorious friendlies: a 5-0 defeat against Trinidad and Tobago, followed by a 1-0 victory over El Salvador, highlighting the strength of the Asian team.
South Korea’s strategy points to the use of a single striker, reinforcing the midfield with the presence of more players and exploiting speed on the sides of the pitch. This approach seeks to balance defense and attack, taking advantage of the dynamics of its athletes.
The probable lineup for the game should feature Jo Hyeonwoo in goal; Lee Hanbeom, Kim Minjae and Lee Gihyuk on defense; Seol Youngwoo, Hwang Inbeom, Lee Jaesung and Lee Taeseok in midfield; and Lee Kangin, Hwang Heechan (or Lee Donggyeong) and Son Heungmin in attack.
The Czech Republic’s tactical approach under Miroslav Kouvek
Known for a playing style with a strong physical component and exploiting aerial plays, the Czech Republic plans to focus on the right side of the attack to create danger for the South Korean defense. Hoffenheim player Vladimir Coufal is expected to carry out constant infiltrations. In the offensive sector, the main hope for goals lies with center forward Patrik Schick, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen.
Matej Kovář should start in goal for the Czech Republic today. At 26 years old, the 1.96m goalkeeper, currently at PSV Eindhoven, is the main reference of the Czech national team in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. A recent hero in the qualifiers, with decisive saves in penalties against Denmark and Ireland that guaranteed the Czech place, Kovář has accumulated 19 appearances for the main team and is in good form, consolidating himself as the owner of the position with his size, reflexes and ability leadership in defense.
He represents security and experience for the Czech team at an important moment. If the game is played today, Kovář should start between the posts, ready for another great performance for the nation.
The Czech Republic’s likely lineup includes Matej Kovár as goalkeeper; Chaloupek, Robin Hranác and Ladislav Krejcí in defense; Vladimír Coufal, Vladimír Darida, Tomáš Soucek, Lukáš Provod, Pavel Šulc and Jaroslav Zelený in midfield; and Patrik Schick as striker.
Who are the referees scheduled for the match?
The refereeing team for the clash between South Korea and the Czech Republic will consist of:
- Referee: 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)
Channels to follow the game between South Korea and the Czech Republic
Fans will be able to watch the live broadcast of the match between South Korea and the Czech Republic through Cazé TV.
