Hong Myung-Boho’s first opponent in Group A of the 2026 North and Central America World Cup has been decided to be the Czech Republic.
The Czech national soccer team (43rd in FIFA) faced Denmark (20th) 2-2 in overtime in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup UEFA playoffs held at the Epet Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on the 1st (Korean time) and then won 3-1 in a penalty shootout.
With the Czech Republic winning a ticket to the World Cup finals, the four teams in Group A (Korea, Mexico, Czech Republic, and South Africa) were decided. Hong Myung-boho will meet the Czech Republic in the first match of Group A held at the Akron Stadium in Guadalajara, Mexico on June 12.
The Czech Republic finished the game 1-1 in the 90 minutes of the first half and took the lead in overtime thanks to Ladislav Krejic’s goal (10 minutes before extra time). However, Denmark’s Kasper Hög allowed an equalizing goal (6 minutes after extra time), forcing the team into a penalty shootout.
In the end, the Czech Republic defeated their opponent 3-1 in a penalty shootout, confirming their qualification to the World Cup finals.
Italy failed to advance to the World Cup finals for the third time in a row, drawing 1-1 in extra time and then losing 1-4 in a penalty shootout to the Bosnia and Herzegovina team in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup European playoffs held in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina on this day.
Italy took the lead with Moese Kin’s first goal in the 15th minute of the first half, but faced a crisis with Alessandro Bastoni’s sending off in the 41st minute. In the end, they gave up an equalizer to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Harris Tabagovic in the 34th minute of the second half, and fell in a penalty shootout after extra time, giving up their dream of advancing to the finals again.
As a result, Group B of the North and Central America World Cup was confirmed to consist of four teams: Canada, Switzerland, Qatar, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
In addition, Turkey defeated Kosovo 1-0 and entered Group D (USA, Australia, Paraguay, Turkey), and Sweden defeated Poland 3-2 to join Group F (Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia, Sweden).
Senior Reporter Kim Chang-geum kimck@hani.co.kr
