Koubek acknowledged the defeat was painful but fair: Czech Republic had chances to win outright, not just draw. Defensive errors directly led to South Korea's goal and decided the match.

A Czech goal that would have made it 2:1 was ruled out for offside. Son threatened throughout the first half — five shots — but did not score and was substituted; Koubek credited the team's defensive effort for that.

He singled out Alexander Sojka as one of the best players on the pitch. Hložek had a clear opportunity but was denied by an excellent save.

Šich and Šulc were largely neutralized by Korea's pressing intensity. The next match against South Africa is a must-win: three points required.

South Korea defeated Czech Republic in their 2026 World Cup opener, with the head coach attributing the result squarely to the players. His two pre-match instructions — never quit until the final whistle, play as one unit — were both delivered on the pitch.

It is his first World Cup win as a manager, twelve years after his coaching debut in 2014, mirroring his playing career where he debuted in 1990 and waited until 2002 for a tournament victory. Lee Kang-in was told to hold a right half-space position during build-up and only break forward when space opened behind — the pattern triggered directly the move that produced the equalizer.

Oh Young-gi came off the bench below full fitness, worked hard to lift his condition in training camp, and scored the decisive goal. High-altitude preparation in the United States proved tangible: the coach observed Czech players visibly fading physically in the second half while Korea maintained their intensity.

Both Korea and Mexico now have three points, and their next meeting will decide who leads Group A.