Mexico vs Korea Republic Preview: Team News & Prediction | FIFA World Cup 2026 | Group Stage
After a bright start to their FIFA World Cup campaign, Mexico and Korea Republic both now have the opportunity to wrap up their qualification for the knockout stages as they face off against each other in Guadalajara.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – BBC / USA – FOX Sports
How to watch online: UK – BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport website & app / USA – FOX One
Mexico preview: Fast start
In his third stint in charge of the Mexican national side, the co-hosts enjoyed a comfortable victory with a 2-0 win in the opening game of FIFA World Cup 2026 against South Africa at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City - albeit some Mexico supporters did show frustrating with jeers of their side for not racking up a bigger scoreline.
The Mexicans raced into a lead when Julian Quinones pounced on a Phephelo Sithole mistake before Sithole was sent off early on in the second half, allowing for the Mexicans to further control the game which led to Raul Jimenez doubling their lead. Themba Zwane was then sent off for Bafana Bafana before Cesar Montes received a red card for being adjudged to have denied Khulisao Mudau a goal-scoring opportunity late on.
Korea Republic preview: Coming from behind
After a fairly underwhelming set of performances in AFC qualification for FIFA World Cup 2026, Korea Republic put in an enterprising performance in the first half against Czechia in their opening game in Guadalajara, but the spark of going behind is what helped them drive on in the second half.
After being fairly profligate, the Koreans went behind early on in the second half via a goal scored by Ladislav Krejci before they managed to turn things around, inspired by Hwang In-beom. The Feyenoord midfielder produced a smart finish to equalise before providing a high-quality assist for Oh Hyeon-gyu to score a pivotal winning goal for Hong Myung-bo's side.
Mexico team news: Alvarez may start in defence
Further team news will appear here closer to the match after pre-match press conferences...
Quite surprisingly, Mexico captain Edson Alvarez was left out of El Tri's opening game against the South Africans, coming off the bench to make his 100th appearance for his country but the 28-year-old, who spent this season on loan at Fenerbahce from West Ham United, may now get a chance to start.
Naturally a defensive midfielder, many believed Alvarez may partner Cesar Montes in central defence for Mexico in their opener but he may now be the man to partner Johan Vasquez with Montes suspended after his red card against the South Africans.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Gutierrez, Lira, Fidalgo; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
Unavailable: Montes (Suspended)
Questionable:
Korea Republic team news: The Son debate
Further team news will appear here closer to the match after pre-match press conferences...
Korea Republic captain Son Heung-min and his presence in their first eleven may well become a talking point as the tournament goes on. Perhaps too premature to drop yet but the LAFC attacker, without a goal in the 2026 Major League Soccer season, struggled for quality in the final third and was replaced by eventual match-winner Oh in their opener.
The best of Korea's football came via Lee Kang-in and Hwang In-beom, and their ability to play easy-on-the-eye football will be a test for Mexico in their second game. Kim Tae-hyeon missed out due to injury in their opening game.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Kim S.G.; Lee G.H., Kim M.J., Lee H.B.; Seol, Hwang I.B., Paik, Lee T.S.; Lee K.I., Lee J.S.; Son
Unavailable:
Questionable: Kim T.H. (Injured)
Mexico’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Raul Rangel ($3.9m) – Goalkeeper
Raul Jimenez ($7.0m) – Forward
Julian Quinones ($5.6m) – Forward
Matchday 2 captain pick: Raul Jimenez
Set-piece duty
Penalties: Raul Jimenez
Free kicks: Luis Chavez
Corners: Luis Chavez, Alexis Vega
Korea Republic’s top FIFA World Cup Fantasy assets
Kim Min-Jae ($5.0m) – Defender
Lee Kang-in ($6.1m) – Midfielder
Son Heung-min ($7.4m) – Forward
Matchday 2 captain pick: Son Heung-Min
Key stats
- Mexico have won both previous FIFA World Cup meetings between the sides, both in the group stage — 3-1 in Lyon in 1998 and 2-1 in Rostov-on-Don in 2018.
- Korea Republic have, however, come out on top in three other major tournament encounters against Mexico — a 5-3 victory at the 1948 Olympics, a 2-1 success at the 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup, and a penalty shootout victory in the quarter-finals of the 2002 Concacaf Gold Cup.
- Mexico are aiming to win three successive FIFA World Cup matches for the first time.
- Mexico have not conceded a first-half goal in their last 12 FIFA World Cup matches. The run stretches back to their round of 16 tie against Argentina in 2010 in which they conceded two first half goals in a 1-3 defeat.
- Only three of Korea Republic’s 39 FIFA World Cup matches have ended in goalless draws.
Click here for EVEN MORE stats & facts about this fixture!
Mexico vs Korea Republic prediction
Mexico were dominant in their opener against South Africa but, as supporters expressed their concerns, there would have to be worries about some elements of their game. Perhaps crucially for this one, South Africa did have some openings on the counter-attack, particularly in the first half, but the lack of quality shown by Bafana Bafana let Mexico off the hook.
The technical quality of the Korean midfield is unlikely to provide Mexico with as wasteful an opposition as the South Africans were. Mexico, with home advantage, should still be able to get up and get at the Koreans, who remain susceptible at the back, particularly from set-pieces, but Korea Republic will be confident of getting their own joy in the final third here.
Mexico vs Korea Republic betting tip: Both teams to score
