With the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup already behind us, it is time for other teams to make their debuts, with a huge star like Son Heung-min expected to start for South Korea against the Czech Republic.
Their group opened with a Mexico victory over South Africa, putting pressure on these teams if they want to take the lead. While friendlies may not be the best indicator, it is true that both teams can feel confident about their form.
South Korea have picked up wins over Trinidad and Tobago, 5-0, and El Salvador, 1-0, while the Czech Republic beat Kosovo, 2-1, and Guatemala, 3-1, after securing their spot through penalty shootouts.
The lineups
Manager Hong Myung-bo could use this lineup for South Korea: Jo Hyeon-woo, Seol Young-woo, Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom, Lee Tae-seok, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Kang-in, Hwang Hee-chan, Son Heung-min, Oh Hyun-gyu.
on should be the captain (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
For the Czech Republic, Miroslav Koubek could opt for this lineup: Matěj Kovář, Štěpán Chaloupek, Robin Hranáč, Ladislav Krejčí, Vladimír Coufal, Lukáš Červ, Tomáš Souček, David Jurásek, Lukáš Provod, Pavel Šulc, Patrik Schick.
see also
Lionel Messi and Son Heung-min lead MLS as league ranks seventh in 2026 World Cup player count
The group
Group A opened with a comfortable Mexico victory over South Africa, with goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez, while three red cards were shown as Yaya Sithole and Themba Zwane were sent off for South Africa and César Montes was sent off for Mexico.
