Preview: South Korea vs Czechia prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

The Tigers of Asia will take on the Nároďák in the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

South Korea will take on Czechia as they kick off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in Group A. Both sides will look to get early points on the board when they face each other at the iconic Estadio Guadalajara. Group A consists of Mexico, South Africa, South Korea and Czechia.

Led by their star player Son Heung-Min, South Korea head into the FIFA World Cup 2026, aiming to embrace a more aggressive approach as they prepare for their 12th appearance on football’s biggest stage. Ever-present at every World Cup since Mexico 1986, the Asian giants will be eager to do well in this edition’s World Cup.

Coach Hong Myung-Bo is very confident of his team, as his side will hope to make a statement in the World Cup. They are the only Asian side to go unbeaten in qualifying, as they will take on a tough Czechia side on Thursday.

On the other hand, Czechia, after a 20-year absence, is back in this competition. They got their ticket in a dramatic style, beating Ireland and then Denmark in the playoffs, both in penalty shootouts. Miroslav Koubek is in charge of this team as the manager, and his side are in good form and will hope to do well in the group stages. This will be a mouthwatering clash for sure.

Kick-off:

• Location: Zapopan, Mexico
• Stadium: Estadio Guadalajara
• Date: Thursday, 11 June
• Kick-off Time: 12/06/2026, 02:00 AM (GMT) | 10:00 PM (EST) | 12/06/2026, 07:30 AM (IST)
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In Use

Form

South Korea (in all competitions): W-W-L-L-W-W

Czechia (in all competitions): W-W-W-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Son Heung-Min (South Korea)

Just two goals away from equalling South Korea’s all-time scoring record, held by Cha Bum-Kum for the last 40 years, captain Son will lead his team in this World Cup. He is probably one of the most well-known Asian players all over the world.

A legend for his country and a player who is admired by many. Currently, Son is playing for LAFC in the MLS, and in 13 games this season, he has provided eight assists. So far, he is enjoying his life in the MLS and will be hopeful of taking his team to the knockout rounds.

Patrik Schick (Czechia)

Schick is a key player for his national team; his presence helps the team’s attack perform very well. He is a proper forward who is a clinical goalscorer and doesn’t need many chances to score. He has been a key player for Leverkusen over the last few seasons, and will hope to perform well for the national team in the World Cup as well.

This season, he played 42 matches in which he scored 22 goals and provided three assists. So far, he has made 52 appearances for Czechia, in which he scored 25 goals. In the World Cup Qualifiers, he made 14 appearances in which he scored eight goals.

Match Facts

• The last time they faced each other was in 2016
• This will be the first time these two sides lock horns in the FIFA World Cup
• Czechia are unbeaten in their last five games

South Korea vs Czechia: Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1 – This fixture to end in a stalemate – 2/1 by Sky Bet
• Tip 2 – Both teams to score
• Tip 3 – Goals scored under 2.5

Injury and Team News

South Korea Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeonwoo, Kim Seunggyu, Song Bumkeun

Defenders: Kim Minjae, Lee Hanbeom, Kim Taehyeon, Park Jinseob, Lee Kihyuk, Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo, Jens Castrop, Kim Moonhwan, Cho Wije

Midfielders: Yang Hyunjun, Paik Seungho, Hwang Inbeom, Kim Jinkyu, Bae Junho, Eom Jisung, Hwang Heechan, Lee Donggyeong, Lee Jaesung, Lee Kangin

Forwards: Oh Hyeongyu, Son Heungmin, Cho Guesung

Czechia Squad for 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek

Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Jurasek, Ladislav Krejc, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima

Midfielders: Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky

Forwards: Adam Hlozek, Tomas Chory, Mojmir Chytil, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick

Also Read: Preview: Mexico vs South Africa prediction, odds, where to watch, time

Head-to-Head

Matches: 3

South Korea: 1

Czechia: 1

Draw: 1

Predicted Lineups

South Korea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Jo Hyun-Woo; Seol Young-Woo, Kim Min-Jae, Jo Yu-Min, Lee Tae-Seok; Paik Seung-Ho, Hwang In-Beom; Lee Kang-In, Bae Jun-Ho, Hwang Hee-Chan; Son Heung-Min

Czechia Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1):

Kovář; Hranáč, Holeš, Krejčí; Coufal, Červ, Souček, Jurásek; Šulc, Hložek; Schick

Match Prediction

Whenever these two sides faced each other, the match has been quite even, as there isn’t a big difference in their quality. Overall, both are very competitive sides who will look to start their World Cup campaign with a win. Fans can expect this to be a tight fixture; most probably, this match will end in a stalemate.

Prediction: South Korea 1-1 Czechia

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: FStv, Gotv

Full Broadcaster List here.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.