Czechia face South Korea in their Group A opener at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday 12 June 2026. The match takes place at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara and brings together two contrasting styles on the biggest stage.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the men’s world championship and the first co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is also the first tournament in the expanded 48-team format, with 12 groups of four and a new Round of 32 knockout phase. The top two from each group, plus the eight best third-placed teams, progress to the knockouts.
When is Czechia vs South Korea?
Kick-off is at 20:00 local time (CDT) on Friday 12 June 2026. That is 21:00 ET in the United States, 02:00 BST on Saturday 13 June in the United Kingdom, and 04:00 KST on the same Saturday morning in South Korea.
Where is Czechia vs South Korea being played?
The match is at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, home of Liga MX side Chivas. The ground has a capacity of around 49,000 and is one of three Mexican venues for the tournament. Guadalajara’s altitude of roughly 1,560 metres is a factor for both teams.
Key Contenders
Czechia return to the World Cup for the first time since 2006 after negotiating European qualification under head coach Ivan Hasek. West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek and Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick lead the side, with Inter Milan’s Tomas Vyskocil (on loan at Feyenoord) another key figure. Czechia will look to combine defensive discipline with direct play into Schick.
South Korea, ranked consistently among Asia’s top three sides, are at a ninth consecutive World Cup. Head coach Hong Myung-bo can call on a squad built around Tottenham captain Son Heung-min, Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Lee Kang-in and Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae in central defence. South Korea reached the last 16 in Qatar in 2022 and will target a similar run.
How to Watch Czechia vs South Korea
In the United Kingdom, the match is free-to-air on BBC or ITV with streaming on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. In the United States, FOX carries the English commentary with Telemundo and Peacock handling Spanish coverage. In South Korea, the match is available on SBS, KBS and MBC. Czech viewers can watch on Ceska televize, and FIFA+ provides additional coverage in selected markets.
History and Records
Czechia and South Korea have met only a handful of times, most recently in friendlies. The Czechs’ most famous World Cup moment came in 1962 when Czechoslovakia reached the final, while South Korea’s high point remains their run to the semi-finals as co-hosts in 2002. Czechia have never won a World Cup knockout match as an independent nation since the split from Slovakia in 1993.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the match are sold via FIFA’s official portal at fifa.com/tickets. Hospitality packages are available through On Location, FIFA’s official hospitality partner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Czechia vs South Korea kick off?
At 20:00 local time on Friday 12 June 2026, which is 21:00 ET and 02:00 BST on Saturday 13 June.
Where is Czechia vs South Korea being held?
At Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico.
How can I watch Czechia vs South Korea?
BBC or ITV in the UK, FOX and Telemundo in the US, and SBS/KBS/MBC in South Korea. FIFA+ streams selected matches globally.
When did Czechia and South Korea last meet?
The nations have met only in friendly fixtures and have no competitive history at a World Cup.