South Korea vs Czechia — World Cup 2026 Prediction

South Korea face Czechia at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in the second match of Matchday 1. The market has it close — Korea at +130, draw at +230, Czechia at +210. The altitude factor (1,566m) is meaningful but less extreme than Mexico City.

Form guide

Son Heung-min, now 33, is still leading the Korean line. Hong Myung-bo’s setup is a 4-2-3-1 with Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan flanking Son. Czechia under Ivan Hašek prefer a more direct 4-4-2 with Patrik Schick as the focal striker. Both teams qualified through tight playoff routes — Korea topped their AFC group, Czechia survived the European playoffs.

Key matchup

Lee Kang-in’s chance creation versus Czechia’s compact midfield two of Tomáš Souček and Pavel Šulc. Korea will dominate possession; Czechia will look for transitions and set-pieces.

The pick

Both teams to score. Korea will create through Lee and Son; Czechia have at least one moment in them through Schick. Likely scoreline: 1-1 or 2-1 either way.