South Korea and Czech Republic face off in their World Cup opener in the early hours of Friday morning in Mexico, with both teams desperate to kickstart their tournament with a win.
The pair are in Group A alongside co-hosts Mexico and South Africa. Mexico are the favourites to top the group while South Africa are expected to struggle, meaning South Korea and Czech Republic could be fighting to finish second to progress out of the group.
South Korea, who went unbeaten in their qualifying campaign to top their group, are making their 11th consecutive World Cup appearance.
A third-place finish in Group A could be good enough to reach the round of 32 in this year’s expanded tournament with 48 teams.
They finished fourth when they co-hosted the tournament in 2002 and they’ll be hoping to get past the round of 16 for the second time in their history.
Czech Republic beat Republic of Ireland and Denmark in qualifying play-offs to book their place at the World Cup, which ended a 20-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
They’ve reached the final twice – in 1934 and 1962 – but their best finish since then has been reaching the quarter-finals at Italia ’90.
Radio Times has rounded up everything you need to know about how to watch South Korea v Czech Republic on TV and online.
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When is South Korea v Czech Republic?
South Korea v Czech Republic will take place on Friday 12 June 2026.
Check out our live football on TV guide for the latest times and information.
South Korea v Czech Republic kick-off time
South Korea v Czech Republic will kick off at 3am UK time.
The Group A match is set to be played at the Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico.
What TV channel is South Korea v Czech Republic on?
You can watch the game live on ITV 1.
All 104 World Cup 2026 matches are on free-to-air TV for UK viewers, split between ITV and BBC.
Check out the full broadcast teams for World Cup 2026 with our BBC and ITV presenters, pundits and commentators guides.
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How to live stream South Korea v Czech Republic online
UK viewers can stream the game live online via ITVX.
The streaming platform is available on a range of devices, from desktop and laptop computers to smartphones and tablets via the app.
Is South Korea v Czech Republic on radio?
You can listen to the match on talkSPORT or BBC Radio 5 Live/BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra.
BBC Radio 5 Live is available on DAB radio, MW 693 kHz, 909 kHz and 990 kHz, or you can tune into the station via most TV packages. You can also listen to Radio 5 Live online via the BBC website or BBC Sounds app.
talkSPORT is available on DAB radio, predominantly MW 1089 kHz though you may need to check its official website for some localised frequencies for talkSPORT, and like the BBC, you can tune in via most TV packages. You can also listen to talkSPORT online via the website or app.
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South Korea v Czech Republicodds
In working partnership with the Radio Times, bet365has provided the following betting odds for this event:
bet365 odds: South Korea (8/5) Draw (21/10) Czech Republic (9/5)*
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