Son Heung-min's Challenging World Cup Opener Sees South Korea Beat Czechia

South Korea kicked off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Czechia in a Group A encounter held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Goals from Hwang In-beom and substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu sealed the crucial three points for the Asian side, overcoming an early deficit to start their tournament on a high note.

However, the match proved to be a challenging outing for Korean captain and star forward Son Heung-min. The Tottenham Hotspur player, participating in what is widely anticipated to be his final World Cup, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the game. He missed several key opportunities, including a shot in the 12th minute that went wide, and another before half-time where he lost his footing at a critical moment. His efforts were eventually cut short when he was substituted in the 69th minute, making way for Oh Hyeon-gyu, who later scored the winning goal for Korea.

Adding to Son's difficult evening, one of his off-target shots reportedly flew over the net and struck a fan in the stands. The incident, captured on video, quickly circulated across social media platforms, highlighting the intensity and sometimes unpredictable nature of World Cup football. Despite his personal struggles, the team's collective effort ensured a positive start to their journey in the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the USA.