Son Heung-min Leads South Korea Against Czechia in Group A Opener

11 Jun 2026

South Korea begin their 11th consecutive World Cup on Thursday night against Czechia at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico, with captain Son Heung-min spearheading the attack at his fourth World Cup alongside Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan. Czechia are back at the tournament for the first time since 2006 and lean on striker Patrik Schick and a dangerous set-piece game. With Mexico the favourites in Group A, Thursday's winner takes an early advantage in the race for the knockout stage.