Oh Hyeon-gyu Shakes Off Fever to Lead South Korea to Dramatic World Cup Win
Published June 12, 2026
Forward Oh Hyeon-gyu defied a pre-match illness to score a crucial late goal, securing a 2-1 comeback victory for South Korea against Czechia in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 fixture.
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South Korea kicked off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a dramatic 2-1 win over Czechia in Guadalajara, Mexico, thanks to a late strike from substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu. The forward, who reportedly battled a 38-degree Celsius fever just hours before the match, emerged as the Taeguk Warriors' hero, showcasing remarkable resilience in a tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Group A encounter saw South Korea fall behind, but they mounted a determined second-half comeback. Coach Hong Myung-bo's decision to introduce Oh Hyeon-gyu, replacing talisman Son Heung-min in the 69th minute, proved pivotal. Despite his recent illness, the 25-year-old Besiktas striker wasted little time making an impact, finding the net in the 80th minute to complete the turnaround and ignite celebrations among the Korean supporters at Estadio Akron.
Oh's decisive goal underscores the depth and fighting spirit within the South Korean squad as they navigate the expanded 48-team format of the 2026 World Cup. His ability to perform under duress, having been a doubt for the fixture due to his condition, highlights a memorable moment from the tournament's early stages, setting a high bar for drama and determination.