South Korea and Czechia open their 2026 World Cup campaigns in Group A on Friday, with both sides knowing that a strong start here could prove decisive in a group that also features Mexico and host nation South Africa. Opening fixtures at major tournaments carry a particular weight — momentum, confidence and early points can shape everything that follows.

South Korea arrive as Asia's most decorated World Cup nation, built around the imperious Heung-min Son, who enters what is likely his final World Cup appearance carrying enormous expectation. Son's ability to drift infield and combine with runners in behind remains one of Asian football's most compelling weapons. The Taeguk Warriors will look to press aggressively in transition, with their high energy and collective discipline having defined their qualifying campaign.

Czechia, meanwhile, earned their place through the European play-off path, overcoming Republic of Ireland — a run in which Troy Parrott's hat trick played a memorable role in the other tie. Patrik Schick remains their focal point, a physical and technically refined centre-forward whose movement in and around the box demands constant attention. Tomáš Souček provides the engine in midfield, dictating tempo and offering a constant aerial threat from set pieces.

The one previous meeting between these sides — a 2016 friendly won 2-1 by South Korea — offers little tactical precedent, but it does suggest the Koreans hold a slight psychological edge. Tactically, the contest should pivot on whether Czechia's midfield can control possession enough to isolate Schick, or whether South Korea's press forces them into errors.

**Prediction:** Son inspires a narrow but deserved South Korea victory as Czechia struggle to cope with the pace and intensity of a well-drilled Korean press.