2026 World Cup: Oh’s goal secures 2-1 win for South Korea as Canada shares spoil against Bosnia

DAY 2

South Korea 2-1 Czech Republic

South Korea opened their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign with a spirited 2–1 comeback victory over Czechia in Guadalajara.

Despite falling behind to a Ladislav Krejci header just before the hour mark, the Koreans rallied with determination and skill to secure all three points in Group A.

Hwang In-beom levelled the score in the 67th minute, finishing off a clever move orchestrated by Lee Kang-in.

The decisive moment came ten minutes later when Oh Hyeon-Gyu converted Hwang’s low cross, sending the Korean supporters into raptures.

Czechia, who had looked solid in defence for much of the match, struggled to contain the pace and creativity of the Korean attack in the closing stages.

The result places South Korea alongside hosts Mexico at the top of Group A, both with three points after their opening fixtures.

With South Africa and Czechia yet to register a win, the next round of matches will be crucial in shaping the group’s outcome.

For South Korea, the victory not only boosts confidence but also strengthens their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

South Korea will face host Mexico, while South Africa and the Czech Republic will lock horns in matchday 2 of Group A.

Canada 1-1 Bosnia and Herzegovina

Co-hosts Canada earned their first-ever FIFA World Cup point after battling to a 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina in their Group B opener at BMO Field, Toronto.

The visitors struck first on 21 minutes when Sead Kolašinac flicked on Ivan Bašić’s corner, allowing Jovo Lukić to nod home his maiden senior international goal.

Canada had earlier threatened through Jonathan David and Tani Oluwaseyi but lacked composure in front of goal, leaving Bosnia ahead at the break despite a wave of Canadian corners.

The second half saw chances at both ends, with Ermedin Demirović denied by Maxime Crépeau and Oluwaseyi thwarted by Nikola Vasilj.

Canada came agonisingly close when Richie Laryea’s effort beat the goalkeeper, only for Kolašinac to clear off the line via the crossbar.

Another goal-line clearance from Nikola Katić frustrated the hosts before substitute Cyle Larin finally broke Bosnia’s resistance.

The Southampton striker latched onto Promise David’s flick and rifled home a clinical equaliser, sparking wild celebrations in Toronto.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages under the sapping heat, leaving the spoils shared. The result was historic for Canada, who secured their first point in seven World Cup matches and extended their unbeaten run to nine.

Bosnia, meanwhile, recorded a sixth consecutive draw in 90 minutes. Both teams now head west for their next fixtures on Thursday, with Canada facing Qatar in Vancouver and Bosnia meeting Switzerland in Los Angeles.