South Korea vs Czech Republic 12 June 2026 Prediction

South Korea are used to getting results through discipline and work rate. The Czech Republic rely on team spirit and character, which helped them earn a place at the World Cup. The Czech Republic have not played at the World Cup for 20 years — can they handle the pressure in the opening round? 

South Korea Rely on Experience and Son Heung-min

This will be South Korea’s 11th consecutive World Cup appearance. Before the start of the tournament, South Korea played El Salvador (1:0), using that match to prepare their setup for the game against the Czech Republic. Earlier, they also beat Trinidad and Tobago 5:0. In the spring, Hong Myung-bo’s team lost a friendly to Austria (0:1), although they had the better expected goals figure (0.71 to 0.39). Against Ivory Coast (0:4), the manager used an experimental lineup, which affected team chemistry.

Captain Son Heung-min, who has scored 56 goals in 145 matches for the national team, will lead South Korea, while Bayern defender Kim Min-jae will anchor the back line. Shortly before the World Cup, the team lost defender Cho Yu-min to injury. He was replaced by Cho Wi-je, which should not be too damaging for the starting lineup. PSG midfielder Lee Kang-in, who recorded 8 goal contributions in 37 matches for the Paris club, will be responsible for creativity. 

Before the World Cup, South Korea held a training camp at altitude in Utah (2,100 meters). The team had time to adjust to thinner air, which should help them at the stadium in Guadalajara (1,560 meters), especially in the second half. South Korea manager Hong Myung-bo was satisfied with his team’s condition and said in an interview that adapting to Mexico’s altitude was the most important part of preparation. He also improved the players’ fitness, which is key for a team that uses aggressive pressing and plays at high speed. 

The Czech Republic Rely on Momentum and Schick

The Czech Republic have not played at a World Cup since 2006. Their path to the final tournament was dramatic: in the playoffs, they beat Ireland (2:2) and Denmark (2:2) on penalties. The coaching change last December had a positive impact. Experienced 74-year-old Miroslav Koubek took charge and added confidence to the team. Before the World Cup, the Czech Republic played two warm-up matches, beating Kosovo (2:1) and Guatemala (3:1). 

Despite the positive results, the manager was not fully satisfied. He pointed to issues with ball movement, a lack of cutting edge, and defensive mistakes. In attack, the main hope is 30-year-old Patrik Schick, who has 26 goals in 53 matches for the national team and plays for Bayer Leverkusen. The attacking leader scored 22 goals for his club last season. Adam Hlozek of Hoffenheim is ready to add energy from the bench. In midfield, a key role will go to Tomas Soucek, who has 17 goals in 90 national-team matches and plays for West Ham. 

The Czech Republic have a deep squad made up of players from European clubs, so Koubek can make five or six substitutions without a major drop in quality. However, the team prepared for the tournament in Texas, where the conditions are not similar to Mexico. Koubek and his staff did not prioritize the altitude factor, so it may be difficult for the European side to maintain a high tempo for the full match. 

South Korea vs Czech Republic Predicted Lineup

South Korea (5-2-2-1): Seung-gyu — Young-woo, Han-beom, Min-jae, Tae-hyun, Tae-seok — In-beom, Jae-sung — Kang-in, Hee-chan — Son 

Out: Ju-ho (questionable)

Manager: Hong Myung-bo

Czech Republic (5-2-2-1): Kovar — Coufal, Chaloupek, Hranac, Krejci, Jurasek — Soucek, Darida — Sulc, Provod — Schick

Out: Kuchta (questionable)

Manager: Miroslav Koubek

Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar (Egypt)

In the 2025/26 season, the referee worked in the Egyptian domestic league, officiated Africa Cup matches, and was also assigned to games in Saudi Arabia. Omar is a fairly strict referee. He calls an average of 23.38 fouls per match. The Egyptian official also gives out cards frequently, averaging 4.17 yellow cards per game. 

    Related Match • World • FIFA World Cup Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina  Read Prediction ›   Related Match • World • FIFA World Cup    Canada vs Bosnia & Herzegovina  Read Prediction › 

South Korea vs Czech Republic Prediction: South Korea to Win

• Main Prediction: This is a very important match for the group standings. Mexico are the favorite in the group and should compete for first place, so three points here would significantly improve either team’s playoff chances. Both teams are likely to be cautious, as advancing from third place is also realistic. The opponents are close in level and use similar principles. Both prefer fast vertical soccer, so physical condition should be a major factor. In that area, we give the edge to Hong Myung-bo’s team, who are better adapted to altitude. South Korea also have more World Cup experience and all of their key players available. Their manager played at the 2002 tournament and was already in charge of the national team in 2014. For veteran Koubek, this will be his first World Cup at this level as a manager. One wrong decision could cost the Czech Republic a lot. Our pick is South Korea to win at 2.72. A higher-risk option is the 2:1 correct score.
• Total Prediction: Under Koubek, the Czech Republic attack with numbers. The team has been productive, scoring nine goals across its last four matches. However, the manager himself has acknowledged defensive issues, and the team conceded in each of those games. South Korea have a strong attacking line and regularly create chances against defenses at the Czech Republic’s level. Hong Myung-bo’s team scored twice in recent friendlies against the United States (2:0), Bolivia (2:0), Paraguay (2:0), and Mexico (2:2). We are taking over 2.5 goals at 2.25.