The South Korea national football team is set to start a new challenge in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Led by coach Hong Myung-bo, the team features key players such as Son Heung-min, Kim Min-jae, and Lee Kang-in, and will compete in Group A against Czech Republic, Mexico, and South Africa. The team recently won a friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago with a score of 5-0. Son Heung-min and Cho Kyu-seong scored multiple goals, and Hwang Hee-chan also scored a penalty kick. Son Heung-min's goal brought him closer to the record for most goals in Korean men's football, held by former coach Cha Bum-keun. The team's first opponent is the Czech Republic, and the match will be held on June 12 in Guadalajara, Mexico. The first match of the group stage is always important, but this time it has even more significance. If they win, they can take the lead in the group, but if they lose, the rest of the schedule may become more difficult. The Czech Republic is a traditionally well-organized European team, with players like Tomas Soucek and Patrik Schick being key to their strength. The team also has players from the renowned club SK Slavia Prague. The Czech Republic's strong pressing and set piece abilities are their strengths. On the other hand, South Korea has an advantage in quick counterattacks and side attacks. If Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in's attacking combination works well, they have a good chance of winning. In fact, South Korea won a friendly match against the Czech Republic in 2016 with a score of 2-1. The most anticipated match in the group stage is the second match against Mexico. As the host country, Mexico has the advantage of enthusiastic home fans and a familiar high-altitude environment. Mexico has consistently advanced to the round of 16 or higher in the World Cup. South Korea has lost to Mexico in the 1998 and 2018 World Cups. However, this time the team has a more balanced strength, with Kim Min-jae leading the defense and Hwang In-beom and Lee Jae-sung showing stable midfield control. Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in are also key players who can change the flow of the game at any time. South Africa is also a strong team, with fast speed and strong physicality. However, South Korea has more experience in the World Cup and international competitions. The two teams will meet for the first time in this tournament. The expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams means that some third-placed teams can also advance to the round of 32. Foreign football media are highly evaluating South Korea's chances of advancing to the round of 32. While Mexico and the Czech Republic are likely to take the top two spots in the group, South Korea can still survive in the wild card competition. The team's recent friendly match showed a positive sign of their attacking power.