Top News

18 June 2026

Mexico and South Korea are set to continue their Group A campaign in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Friday, with both sides aiming to secure a place in the Round of 32 following their opening-round victories.

Date: Friday, 19th June
Kick-off: 2am BST
Venue: Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico

Mexico faces a defensive challenge ahead of this crucial tie. Central defender Cesar Montes is unavailable due to suspension after receiving a late red card in the match against South Africa.

Head coach Javier Aguirre is expected to reorganise his defensive line, possibly shifting captain Edson Alvarez into the backline. On a positive note, winger Julian Quinones has fully recovered from a minor injury and is likely to start on the wing.

There is growing anticipation surrounding 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora, whose impressive cameo in the previous match has prompted fans to call for his inclusion in the starting XI.

Aguirre will once again depend on the experience of striker Raul Jimenez to spearhead the attack, supported by Roberto Alvarado from the flank.

While Mexico are keen to clinch qualification from the group stage, they must remain composed amid distractions. A peculiar drone incident that occurred over South Korea’s training ground earlier in the week has added an unusual twist to the pre-match atmosphere.

South Korea, meanwhile, head into the fixture with a full-strength and confident squad. Midfielders Bae Jun-ho and Kim Tae-hyeon have returned to complete training sessions and are available for selection.

Manager Hong Myung-bo is likely to retain the same starting lineup that produced a thrilling comeback victory over Czechia. Captain Son Heung-min will lead the front line, while Hwang In-beom will take charge of midfield duties following his standout display in their opening match.

The team experienced a brief off-field distraction when a drone was spotted over their private training facility, but the Mexican military swiftly neutralised it. Coach Hong downplayed the incident, calling it a minor disturbance.

Despite the challenges, South Korea are confident of handling the intense atmosphere at Estadio Akron. A win would place them in an ideal position to top Group A and progress comfortably into the knockout rounds.

Mexico enter the match in excellent form after a convincing 2-0 win over South Africa in their World Cup opener. Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez were on target, thrilling the home supporters at Estadio Azteca. This victory puts El Tri atop Group A on goal difference and has significantly boosted the squad’s morale as they aim for back-to-back wins on home turf.

South Korea demonstrated strong determination by overturning a deficit to defeat Czechia 2-1 in their first match. Despite falling behind early, Hwang In-beom equalised brilliantly before Oh Hyeon-gyu netted the decisive winner. The Taegeuk Warriors currently sit second in Group A, having won three of their last five matches, and carry solid momentum into this top-of-the-table encounter.

Mexico: Rangel; Reyes, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Alvarado, Mora, Fidalgo, Quinones; Jimenez

South Korea: S Kim; H Lee, M Kim, G Lee; Seol, Hwang, Paik, T Lee; K Lee, J Lee; Son

Fans in the UK can watch the Mexico vs South Korea match live and free on BBC Two.