South Korea Look to Finally Break World Cup Opening Jinx Against Czech Republic

South Korea kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a familiar challenge: overcoming the ghosts of past tournament starts. Facing Czech Republic in Group A on June 11, 2026, the Taeguk Warriors are determined to turn the page on years of sluggish World Cup openings — and this time, they’re backed by a squad brimming with confidence.

Manager Hong Myung-bo, who took charge following a turbulent spell under Jürgen Klinsmann, has set his sights firmly on the basics: survival. “Our first job is simple — get through to the round of 32,” Hong said. “After that? We’ll see what happens.” It’s a pragmatic approach from a coach tasked with rebuilding a team that’s too often stumbled out of the gate in previous tournaments.

The foundation for optimism is solid. South Korea went unbeaten in 16 qualifiers, finishing six points clear of Jordan in the second group stage. Their expected goal differential of +18.03 across the campaign speaks volumes about their dominance in the qualifying rounds — a stark contrast to the inconsistency that plagued them in earlier stages.

But the road ahead isn’t without hurdles. Central midfield remains a concern, with injuries decimating options in the engine room. With key players sidelined, Hong must shuffle the deck and rely on depth and tactical flexibility — a test of his management acumen.

Preparations have been intense. The squad has been training in Salt Lake City, Utah, acclimatising to high altitude in anticipation of the physical demands of North American conditions. It’s a small edge, but one that could matter when the pressure mounts.

Hong’s appointment came after Klinsmann’s short-lived, ultimately unsuccessful reign — a chapter that ended in frustration after less than a year. Now, with the weight of expectation on his shoulders, Hong is focused on delivering results, not just optics.

With Mexico and South Africa also in Group A, every point counts. The opening match against Czechia isn’t just a game — it’s a statement. For South Korea, it’s finally time to prove they can start strong, finish higher, and break the cycle once and for all.