South Korea arrived at Estadio Akron with a clear tactical identity under their setup: Son Heung-min as the spearhead of a fluid 4-3-3, with Lee Kang-in and Hwang Hee-chan providing the creative spark on either flank. The Czech Republic, organized in a compact 4-2-3-1, looked to Schick as an isolated target and Souček as the engine in midfield. Korea's early press unsettled Czech build-up play, and the opening goal was a thing of beauty — Son drifted infield from the left, slipped a perfectly weighted through-ball into Lee Kang-in's run, and the PSG midfielder finished low across Kovář with his trademark composure. The Czechs rallied after the break when Kim Min-jae's clumsy challenge on Chytil handed Schick the penalty spot; the Leverkusen striker converted with ice-cold authority. But Korea's winner came from sheer pace and desire: Hwang Hee-chan burned past Coufal on the right flank in the 78th minute, cut the ball back, and Son swept home at the far post to seal a vital Group A victory. A hard-fought but deserved win for the Taeguk Warriors on Mexican soil.

• Son Heung-min registered a goal and an assist — his World Cup 2026 opener was vintage LAFC-era leadership.
• Lee Kang-in's 23rd-minute opener was his 4th goal in major tournament group stages, underlining his big-game temperament.
• Patrik Schick's penalty was Czech Republic's only shot on target in the first 70 minutes — clinical but isolated.
• South Korea's high press won 7 ball recoveries in the Czech half, suffocating Darida's distribution.
• Hwang Hee-chan's direct running down the right channel created the decisive 78th-minute assist, completing 4/4 dribbles.
• Czech Republic finished with 11 shots but only 4 on target — Kovář's saves kept the scoreline respectable.