Playing conditions in Zapopan are not expected to be overly demanding. Temperatures are hovering around 27°C and gradually dropping as kickoff approaches, while only light scattered showers are forecast. Earlier concerns about thunderstorms passing through the area have eased, with weather conditions now appearing more stable.
However, the factor expected to have the greatest impact on both teams’ performances is altitude. The stadium sits approximately 1,670 meters above sea level.
Watch South Korea vs Czech Republic highlights
South Korea have spent more than a year preparing for the 2026 World Cup and used their pre-tournament training camp to adapt to high-altitude conditions in Utah, United States. In contrast, the Czech Republic secured qualification at a later stage and had limited time to implement a similar plan. That could prove to be a significant disadvantage for the European side in this matchup.
Starting Lineups
South Korea (3-4-3): Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Gi-hyuk; Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok; Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min (captain).
Czech Republic (3-4-3): Matej Kovar; Stepan Chaloupek, Robin Hranac, Ladislav Krejci (captain); Vladimir Coufal, Tomas Soucek, Alexandr Sojka, Jaroslav Zeleny; Lukas Provod, Pavel Sulc, Patrik Schick.
