South Korea and Czechia meet in Group C at AT&T Stadium in Dallas — a fixture between two sides capable of a surprise run in this tournament. Korea are built around the world-class Son Heung-min, who enters what is likely his final World Cup determined to make a lasting impact.

Czechia qualified through the European playoffs and arrive with a settled squad featuring Bundesliga and Premier League talent. Tomáš Souček brings box-to-box power in midfield, while Patrik Schick remains a serious goal threat despite fitness concerns leading up to the tournament.

Korea were outstanding at Qatar 2022, reaching the last 16. They've built on that, investing in dual-nationality players and a high-pressing style under their European coach. Czechia, meanwhile, lost narrowly to Portugal in qualifying and know they must win their opening game to stay alive.