Korea Republic v Czech Republic
Group A
Thursday, 11 June | Guadalajara Stadium
Kick-off time
10:00 (GMT+8)
The match
Korea Republic and Czech Republic will be out to begin their FIFA World Cup 2026™ campaigns in style when they clash on the opening day of the tournament. The Asian side are making their 11th straight appearance at the finals, while Czechia are back on the global stage after a 20-year absence. This will be the first meeting between the teams at the World Cup.
With talented forward Adam Hlozek having recently recovered from injury, Miroslav Koubek’s biggest headache could be choosing which attackers to support main striker Patrik Schick. Pavel Sulc and Lukas Provod are also among the options for the veteran coach. Korea winger Bae Junho is a major doubt due to an ankle injury, but left-back Lee Taeseok has returned to team training after a sore calf.
Korea Republic possible starting XI
Kim Seunggyu; Kim Minjae, Lee Hanbeom, Lee Gihyuk; Seol Youngwoo, Lee Taeseok, Hwang Inbeom, Paik Seungho; Lee Kangin, Lee Jaesung; Son Heungmin
Czechia possible starting XI
Kovar; Coufal, Doudera, Holes, Krejci, Zeleny; Soucek, Sadilek; Hlozek, Sulc, Schick
What they said…
“Our preparation is now complete. I’ve had many conversations with our players. Every message that I wanted to deliver to them has been understood. Korea never had a chance to play on the first matchday of the World Cup. We will be under a global spotlight. I’d like our players to feel comfortable in that environment.” Hong Myungbo, Korea Republic coach
“The atmosphere in our team has been great constantly, and we haven’t had any issues at all since the day I’ve arrived. From what I can see, every player has done even more that what was asked of him for our national team. Sometimes, I even had to calm them down. That’s how much passion we’ve put into preparing for this tournament. I just want this preparation now to blossom on the pitch.” Son Heungmin, Korea Republic captain
Guadalajara Stadium
Built on raised ground and with a spherical, coliseum-like design, Guadalajara Stadium is certainly one of the more eye-catching venues set to hold matches at the FIFA World Cup in 2026. Inaugurated in 2010, the stadium is home during the regular season to C.D. Guadalajara, who have enjoyed their fair share of success there. The men’s team secured their historic double title campaign, league and cup of the Clausura 2017 tournament, and the 2018 Concacaf Champions League victory, while the two titles of the women’s team in 2017 and 2022 add to the trophy haul. Guadalajara Stadium was one of the main venues for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2011 and hosted the Pan-American Games the same year.