Key facts
- South Korea defeated Czechia 2-1 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match.
- Ladislav Krejci scored for Czechia in the 59th minute.
- Hwang In-beom equalized for South Korea in the 67th minute.
- Oh Hyeon-gyu scored the winning goal for South Korea in the 80th minute.
- Over 16,000 fans gathered in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, to watch the match.
- Concerns were raised about FIFA's ticket pricing due to many empty seats at the stadium.
South Korea secured a 2-1 comeback victory over Czechia in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match, held in sweltering conditions in Seoul, saw over 16,000 fans gather in Gwanghwamun Square to support the national team.
Czechia took the lead in the 59th minute with a goal from Ladislav Krejci. South Korea responded eight minutes later with an equalizer from Hwang In-beom, who then assisted substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winning goal in the 80th minute. Despite the victory, concerns were raised about FIFA's ticket pricing strategy for the tournament, as many empty seats were visible in the stadium.
Fans braved the heat, with many carrying umbrellas and portable fans. Some office workers took time off or used their lunch breaks to join the cheering crowds. Companies like OB Brewery also organized group viewing events for their employees.
Street cheering for major sporting events has been a significant cultural phenomenon in South Korea since the 2002 FIFA World Cup.