Get our South Korea vs Czech Republic prediction for Friday's match. Discover the latest lineups, betting odds, and top bet builder tips to back.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Match Summary
Competition | World Cup 2026 |
|---|---|
Match Date | Friday 12 June 2026 |
Match Time | 03:00 |
Venue (City, Stadium) | Guadalajara, Estadio Akron |
Broadcast (TV / Streaming / Radio / Bookmaker Streaming) | ITV 1 (UK), RTE 2 (Ireland) |
South Korea and the Czech Republic kick off their World Cup 2026 campaigns in a Group A opener at the Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Friday morning.
South Korea are competing in their 11th consecutive World Cup finals, bringing considerable tournament pedigree to this fixture in Mexico.
The Czech Republic return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 2006, having battled through the UEFA playoffs to secure their place.
This will be the first competitive meeting between these two nations, with both sides desperate for three points in a group that also includes co-hosts Mexico.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Form
South Korea's recent outings have been inconsistent, winning three and losing two of their last five matches. They have averaged 1.4 goals scored per game while conceding at a rate of one per match. Captain Son Heung-min remains the focal point of the attack.
The Czech Republic arrive in strong form, unbeaten in their last five fixtures with three wins and two draws. They have been prolific in front of goal, averaging three goals per game across that run. Striker Patrik Schick leads their attacking threat with 25 international goals to his name.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Lineups & Team News
Injuries & Suspensions
South Korea: Bae Joon-ho (Injured/out), Lee Taeseok (Injured/out)
Czech Republic: Jan Kuchta (Injured/out)
South Korea
South Korea will be without Bae Joon-ho and Lee Taeseok through injury. Son Heung-min is expected to lead the line, with the likes of Cho Gue-sung, Oh Hyeon-gyu and Hee-Chan Hwang providing further attacking options.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic are missing striker Jan Kuchta due to injury, which is a notable blow. Patrik Schick and Tomas Chory are the likely alternatives to spearhead the attack. Tomas Soucek anchors the midfield, while Ladislav Krejci marshals the defence.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Predicted Lineup
South Korea
Formation: 3-4-3
Predicted Starting Lineup: Kim Seung-gyu; Kim Tae-hyeon, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom; Lee Tae-seok, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang In-beom, Seol Young-woo; Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in.
Czech Republic
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Predicted Starting Lineup: Matěj Kovář; Štěpán Chaloupek, Robin Hranáč, Ladislav Krejčí; Vladimír Coufal, Lukáš Provod, Tomáš Souček, David Jurásek; Pavel Šulc, Vladimír Darida; Patrik Schick.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Key Stats & Match Facts
The Czech Republic scored 11 set-piece goals during UEFA World Cup qualifying, the highest total of any European team.
12 of South Korea's last 13 goals at the World Cup finals have been scored in the second half of matches.
14 of South Korea's last 15 fixtures have concluded with only the victorious team getting on the scoresheet.
Each of the Czech Republic's last five matches has featured over 2.5 total goals.
South Korea and the Czech Republic have never met in a competitive fixture, with their last friendly encounter taking place in June 2016.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Prediction & Best Bets
Our prediction: South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic. South Korea have the edge in this opener, though the Czechs' attacking form means they are unlikely to leave without troubling the scoreboard. Expect a competitive contest that tips in favour of the Koreans.
Best Bets
South Korea to win at 17/10 with Bet365. The Koreans have been solid in recent outings and carry a strong defensive record, conceding just one goal per game on average across their last five fixtures.
Over 2.5 goals at 5/4 with Bet365. Each of the Czech Republic's last five matches has produced over 2.5 total goals, and South Korea tend to come alive in the second half, with 12 of their last 13 World Cup goals arriving after the break.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Bet Builder
Our bet builder combines South Korea to win, under 3.5 total goals, and both teams to score 'No', with this three-leg selection paying 15/4 at best price.
South Korea are priced at 17/10 in the win market and have been hard to break down in recent outings, conceding just one goal per game across their last five fixtures.
Under 3.5 total goals fits the profile of a cagey opening group fixture, with South Korea's defensive record suggesting they rarely concede freely.
Both teams to score 'No' is supported by the stat that 14 of South Korea's last 15 fixtures have seen only the winning side get on the scoresheet.
At the time of writing, this bet builder pays a best price of 15/4 and is as short as 2.71/1 elsewhere. That's a difference in potential winnings of £10 from best to worst price.
Make sure to get the best odds on your Bet Builder with Oddschecker's Exclusive Bet Builder Comparison Tool.
Bet builder odds correct at time of publishing.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Talking Points
The Estadio Akron sits at over 1,500 metres above sea level, and South Korea completed a pre-tournament training camp in Salt Lake City to help their squad acclimatise. Both sets of players will need to manage their energy levels carefully across 90 minutes. Son Heung-min is widely expected to be making his final World Cup appearance, adding an emotional edge to the occasion. His influence in the attacking third could prove decisive in what shapes up as a finely balanced fixture. Both sides know a slip-up here, with co-hosts Mexico lying in wait, could leave them with a mountain to climb in Group A.
South Korea vs Czech Republic Predictions FAQs
When is the South Korea vs Czech Republic World Cup 2026 game?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 03:00 on Friday.
What is the best prediction for South Korea vs Czech Republic?
Our expert predictions and betting tips for South Korea vs Czech Republic will be available closer to Friday's kick-off.
Where can I find the lineups for South Korea vs Czech Republic?
The confirmed starting lineups and latest team news will be published here ahead of the match.
What are the latest betting odds for South Korea vs Czech Republic?
The latest match odds and bet builder tips will be updated as soon as the betting markets are available.
Disclaimer
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