South Korea vs Czech Republic Predictions - Draw backed in tight World Cup clash

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 1 hour ago

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John Eastwood 1 hour ago

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Both teams in strong scoring form with recent defensive lapses.
Head-to-head record is very close: 2 draws, 1 win each.
Prediction: Draw with both teams to score (BTTS).

Heung-Min Son has 144 appearances and 56 for South Korea (Getty Images)

South Korea vs Czech Republic Predictions

Czech Republic have seen goals at both ends over their most recent matches while South Korea have looked in decent form themselves and have good attacking potential. I am backing this to end level with BTTS.

South Korea vs Czech Republic Predictions
Head to Head
South Korea Form
Czech Republic Form
South Korea vs Czech Republic News & Predicted Lineups

South Korea have scored 6 goals in their last 2 matches.
South Korea have seen BTTS in 2 of their last 3 matches against Czech Republic.
Czech Republic have seen BTTS in their last 4 matches.

Head to Head

In four matches between these nations, there has been two draws and one win for each side.

South Korea Form

South Korea were one of the most dominant teams in the Asian qualifiers for the World Cup 2026, finishing top of Group B with six victories and four draws ahead of Jordan, Iraq, Oman, Palestine and Kuwait.

After not so great performances in March friendlies (lost to Ivory Coast 4-0 and Austria 1-0), they returned to winning ways in late May by crushing Trinidad & Tobago 5-0. Cho Gue-Sung and Heung-Min Son netted two goals each here.

The Taegeuk Warriors were also victorious last week against El Salvador 1-0, ending this clash with 1.15-0.14 expected goals, 72% possession and 7-0 shots on target. Lee Dong-Gyeong was the sole scorer in the 57th minute.

Czech Republic Form

Czech Republic were forced to claim their World Cup 2026 qualifying ticket through the playoffs. After finishing second in their respective group, the Czechs appointed Miroslav Koubek as the new national coach, succeeding Ivan Hasek.

In the semifinals, they recovered from a two-goal deficit against Republic of Ireland and won on penalties (2-2 in regular time). Ladislav Krejci was the hero here with his late equalizer.

Another dramatic clash was seen in the finals against Denmark, regular time ending 1-1, extra-time in a 2-2 draw, then ultimately won on penalties.

In their recent friendlies, the Czechs claimed two straight victories against Kosovo 2-1 and most recently Guatemala 3-1 but allowed a total of 8 shots on target in these encounters.

South Korea vs Czech Republic News & Predicted Lineups

South Korea (4-2-3-1) Jo Hyeonwoo; Seol Young-woo, Kim Minjae, Cho Yumin, Lee Taeseok; Paik Seungho, Hwang In-beom; Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, Hwang Heechan; Heung-Min Son

One of best players in South Korea's history Heung-Min Son is expected to lead the attack here. He is currently at 144 appearances and 56 goals for the national team. His form in 2026 hasn't been that great, failing to score in his 13 matches for Los Angeles FC in MLS. Kim Minjae had some muscle issues but is expected to start in the back line.

Czech Republic (3-4-2-1) Matej Kovar; Tomas Holes, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci; Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek, Lukas Cerv, David Jurasek; Pavel Sulc, Adam Hlozek; Patrik Schick

Adam Hlozek has just recovered from a minor calf injury and is expected to lead the offense paired with Lyon's Pavel Sulc and Bayer Leverkusen's Patrik Schick. Schick is currently at 53 appearances and 26 goals for the national team. David Doudera has fitness problems and won't be in contention in the opening round.

Verdict

South Korea v Czechia

Czech Republic revealed defensive weakspots in recent friendlies against Kosovo and Guatemala, conceding on both occasions. South Korea scored 20 goals in their 10 qualifying games, so BTTS looks like the best bet.