South Korea vs Czechia FIFA WC 2026: Kick-off time, venue, squads
Synopsis
South Korea bring a record-breaking 11-game World Cup streak to Zapopan on 13 June; Czechia return after 20 years away. It is the first-ever World Cup clash between the two sides, with Son Heungmin and Patrik Schick headlining the squads. Indian fans can watch live on Zee5 and Unite8 Sports channels from 7:30 AM IST.
Key Takeaways
South Korea vs Czechia kicks off on 13 June 2026 at 7:30 AM IST at Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan .
This is South Korea's 12th World Cup and their 11th consecutive appearance — the longest unbroken run of any Asian nation.
Czechia return to the World Cup after a 20-year absence .
It is the first-ever World Cup meeting between South Korea and Czechia.
Indian viewers can stream live on Zee5 (subscription required) or watch on Unite8 Sports 1/2 TV channels.
Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar .
South Korea and Czechia open their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns against each other on Friday, 13 June, with kick-off scheduled at 7:30 AM IST at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. It will be the first-ever World Cup meeting between the two nations.
Historic Milestones at Stake
South Korea arrive at this tournament for their 12th FIFA World Cup overall and their 11th consecutive appearance at the Finals — a run stretching back to 1986. That makes them the most frequent Asian qualifier in World Cup history. Only Brazil (23 consecutive appearances), Germany (19), Argentina (14), and Spain (13) have longer unbroken streaks at the global showpiece.
Czechia, meanwhile, are back on the world stage after a 20-year absence, making this a landmark return for the Central European side. The contrast in recent World Cup pedigree adds an intriguing subplot to what is already a high-stakes Group Stage opener.
How to Watch Live in India
Indian viewers can catch the match via live streaming on Zee5 (platform and app), though a subscription will be required. Live telecast will be broadcast on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD television channels across India.
Match Details
Date and kick-off: Friday, 13 June 2026, 7:30 AM IST
Venue: Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico
Referee: Amin Mohamed Omar
Full Squads
South Korea
Goalkeepers: Jo Hyeonwoo, Kim Seunggyu, Song Bumkeun
Defenders: Kim Minjae, Lee Hanbeom, Kim Taehyeon, Park Jinseob, Lee Kihyuk, Lee Taeseok, Seol Youngwoo, Jens Castrop, Kim Moonhwan, Cho Wije
Midfielders: Yang Hyunjun, Paik Seungho, Hwang Inbeom, Kim Jinkyu, Bae Junho, Eom Jisung, Hwang Heechan, Lee Donggyeong, Lee Jaesung, Lee Kangin
Forwards: Oh Hyeongyu, Son Heungmin, Cho Guesung
Czechia
Goalkeepers: Lukas Hornicek, Matej Kovar, Jindrich Stanek
Defenders: Vladimir Coufal, David Doudera, Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Stepan Chaloupek, David Juraek, Ladislav Krejci, Jaroslav Zeleny, David Zima
Midfielders: Lukas Cerv, Vladimir Darida, Lukas Provod, Michal Sadilek, Hugo Sochurek, Alexandr Sojka, Tomas Soucek, Pavel Sulc, Denis Visinsky
Forwards: Tomas Chory, Adam Hlozek, Mojmir Chytil, Jan Kuchta, Patrik Schick
With Son Heungmin leading South Korea's attack and Patrik Schick spearheading Czechia's forward line, the match promises quality in the final third. How both sides manage the opening nerves of a World Cup debut fixture will likely determine the early Group Stage dynamics.
Point of View
A 7:30 AM IST slot is a real-time test of whether the Zee5-Unite8 partnership can convert casual interest into sustained streaming numbers over a month-long tournament.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the South Korea vs Czechia FIFA World Cup 2026 match?
The match is scheduled for Friday, 13 June 2026, at 7:30 AM IST at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. It is a Group Stage opener for both nations.
Where can I watch South Korea vs Czechia live in India?
The match can be streamed live on the Zee5 platform and app in India (subscription required). Live telecast is available on Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels.
How many consecutive World Cups has South Korea appeared in?
South Korea are making their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance in 2026, a run that began in 1986. Only Brazil, Germany, Argentina, and Spain have longer unbroken streaks.
When did Czechia last appear at the FIFA World Cup?
Czechia are returning to the World Cup after a 20-year absence, making the 2026 tournament a significant milestone for the nation.
Have South Korea and Czechia met at the World Cup before?
No. The 13 June 2026 Group Stage clash in Zapopan will be the first-ever meeting between South Korea and Czechia at a FIFA World Cup.
