South Korea vs Czechia prediction, betting tips & preview – World Cup 2026

World Cup Grp. A – 2026 MATCHDAY 1

Republic of Korea

12/06/2026 03:00

Not started Guadalajara Stadium – Zapopan, JAL

Czechia

South Korea and the Czech Republic will get their World Cup 2026 campaigns underway when they meet in Guadalajara on Thursday in what could prove to be a pivotal Group A encounter.

With South Africa and hosts Mexico also lurking in the section, both nations will recognise the importance of making a strong start, especially with only the top two teams guaranteed a place in the knockout rounds.

The Czech Republic arrive in buoyant mood after putting together a six-match winning streak, but South Korea have also built impressive momentum, collecting five victories from their last seven outings and looking well equipped for another deep run on the global stage.

Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.

South Korea vs Czechia key stats

• Czech Republic have won their last six matches
• Eight of South Korea's last 10 matches have produced under 10.5 corners.
• Each of Czechia's last five matches has produced under 4.5 cards.

South Korea vs Czechia preview: Aiming for early points

South Korea are set to make their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance, extending a record that already stands as the longest streak achieved by any Asian nation.

The Taegeuk Warriors have managed only seven victories across their previous World Cup campaigns, but with one of the strongest squads in Asia at their disposal, expectations will be considerably higher this time around.

Hong Myung-bo's side were outstanding throughout the qualification process, navigating AFC qualifying unbeaten with 11 wins and five draws to comfortably secure their place in North America.

South Korea also arrive in confident spirits after back-to-back victories over Trinidad and Tobago and El Salvador, results that should provide further belief ahead of their opening assignment..

The Czech Republic, meanwhile, had to take the longer route to the finals, eventually securing qualification through the UEFA playoffs.

Despite reaching two World Cup finals in their history, the Czechs have spent two decades away from football's biggest stage and will finally make their long-awaited return in 2026.

Having failed to make an impact in Germany in 2006, Miroslav Koubek's side will be eager to seize this opportunity, especially after building momentum with six consecutive victories heading into the tournament.

Much of the attacking responsibility will fall on Patrik Schick, who scored five goals during qualifying, although Pavel Sulc and Tomas Soucek also possess the quality and experience to influence games at the highest level.

South Korea vs Czechia form guide & betting tips

Whispers predicts: South Korea 2-2 Czechia

South Korea, with higher FIFA ranking than their opponents are priced at 8/5 (2.6), but the in-form Czechs are no pushover either. The opening Group A clash could be an entertaining affair with both sides aiming to secure a positive result, and thus a draw at 19/10 (2.9) could be backed.

Four of Czech Republic's last five matches have produced over 2.5 goals, while South Korea registered 40 goals during the qualifying campaign. Thus, over 2.5 goals at 13/10 (2.3) appeals to us.

Talking of goals, South Korean skipper, Son Heung-Min is only two goals away from equalling all-time scoring record, and the LAFC striker can be backed at 9/4 (3.25) to score anytime.