South Korea vs Czechia

Both sides need a fast start in a Group A that also includes co-hosts Mexico and South Africa — only two advance. For South Korea, it's their record 11th straight World Cup; for Czech Republic, a long-awaited comeback after 20 years. South Korea were unbeaten through AFC qualifying (11 wins, five draws), with captain Son Heung-min lining up for his fourth World Cup alongside PSG's Lee Kang-in. Kim Min-jae anchors defence from Bayern Munich, with left-back Cho Yu-min out through injury. Czech Republic arrive on a six-game winning run, with striker Patrik Schick — six goals in seven major tournament appearances — and midfield engine Tomáš Souček leading the line. Tactically, it's a fascinating clash of styles: Hong Myung-bo's high-press South Korea against Miroslav Koubek's disciplined defensive block. The Czechs scored 11 set-piece goals in qualifying — the most in the UEFA section — and Schick's aerial prowess could prove decisive. Our prediction: 1-1