World Cup 2026 co-hosts Mexico will aim to make it two wins from two when they take on South Korea on Friday at 2am (UK time).
Mexico opened the World Cup with a 2-0 victory over a South Africa side that struggled throughout. It wasn’t the toughest test for the hosts, with South Africa being reduced to nine men, but Mexico made it tough for themselves following Cesar Montes’ dismissal.
South Korea also got off to a winning start in Group A, beating Czech Republic 2-1. The Asian side hard to come from behind to claim the three points but they were good value for their victory and will look to build on that with another victory on Friday.
They were two results that added more importance to this fixture, with either side able to take control of the group (and almost assure themselves of qualification) by adding another victory in this encounter.
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Mexico vs South Korea team news
Mexico team news
There was a surprise or two in Mexico’s first starting lineup at the World Cup. Javier Aguirre opted to play Raul Rangel in goal, starting ahead of the legendary Guillermo Ochoa. He’s likely to continue there this week, with Aguirre still trusting the young shot-stopper.
Israel Reyes looks set to start at right-back. Johan Vasquez and Edson Alvarez will be the centre-back partnership, with Alvarez dropping deep to replace the suspended Cesar Montes. The central midfield duo of Erik Lira and Alvaro Fidalgo pick themselves, as does the wing pairing of Julian Quinones and Roberto Alvarado.
There’s a question to be had about the attack, though. Raul Jimenez is a guaranteed starter, and will continue to lead the line. But Santiago Gimenez will hope to get a chance to start, ahead of Brian Gutierrez. That would provide a physical focal point to break down South Korea’s disciplined defence.
Hong Myung-bo didn’t pull up many surprises in his starting lineup against Czechia. And he’s unlikely to make many changes for the team to play Mexico.
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South Korea team news
Hong Myung-bo opted to play Lee Han-beom at centre-back, starting ahead of Cho Wi-je in a three-man defence. He’s likely to continue there this week, with Bae Jun-ho still a major doubt after injury. Bae will hope to make his first appearance off the bench, at least.
With Lee Han-beom at the back, Seol Young-woo looks set to start at right wing-back. Kim Min-jae and Lee Gi-hyuk will complete the centre-back trio, with Kim Seung-gyu getting the nod in goal once more. The central midfield duo of Hwang In-beom and Paik Seung-ho pick themselves, as does the attacking pairing of Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung.
There’s a question to be had about the attack, though. Son Heung-min is a guaranteed starter, and will continue to lead the line. But Oh Hyeon-gyu will hope to get a chance to start, ahead of the captain in a central role. That was the substitution made in the 69th minute against Czechia, eventually leading to South Korea’s winner.
Mexico vs South Korea predicted lineups
Mexico (4-3-3): Rangel; Reyes, Vasquez, Alvarez, Gallardo; Lira, Fidalgo, Gutierrez; Alvarado, Jimenez, Quinones
South Korea (3-4-2-1): Seung-gyu; Gi-hyuk, Min-jae, Han-beom; Young-woo, In-beom, Seung-ho, Tae-seok; Kang-in, Jae-sung; Heung-min
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