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Arun - June 18, 2026
Mexico and South Korea meet in a straight shootout for top spot in Group A at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara on Thursday night. Both sides won their opening fixtures, with Mexico beating South Africa 2-0 on home soil and South Korea coming from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1. Win here and either side is all but through to the knockout rounds.
You can find our full match preview over at our Mexico vs South Korea prediction page.
The only enforced change for Mexico comes at centre-back. Cesar Montes picked up a red card in stoppage time against South Africa after fouling Khuliso Mudau on the counter, denying a goalscoring opportunity. The suspension is automatic and leaves Javier Aguirre with a gap to fill at the heart of defence.
Edson Alvarez is the man expected to step in. A former Mexico captain, Alvarez has been recovering from ankle surgery in February and played limited minutes for Fenerbahce before the tournament.
Aguirre has been open about the plan, saying last week that it is very likely Alvarez starts in the centre. The 28-year-old played extensively in Mexico’s final three pre-tournament friendlies to build fitness and will now be thrust into a significant role earlier than expected. He partners Johan Vasquez in central defence, with Israel Reyes and Jesus Gallardo continuing at full-back.
Julian Quinones, who scored Mexico’s opener against South Africa, is a doubt after asking to be substituted during the game. If he misses out, Roberto Alvarado and Gilberto Mora are options out wide. Mora is 17 years old and brings pace and directness that could cause South Korea problems in transition.
Erik Lira holds in midfield with Alvaro Fidalgo alongside him. Raul Jimenez leads the line and will be eager to add to his tally after heading home Mexico’s second goal against South Africa. Raul Rangel continues in goal.
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Raul Rangel
Defenders: Israel Reyes, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfield: Brian Gutierrez, Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones
South Korea have no suspensions and head into this match with a largely clean bill of health. Two players were on the injury table after the Czechia win: Kim Tae-Hyeon returned to training after an ankle problem but remains a doubt to start, while Bae Jun-Ho has also resumed training and is available for selection.
Hong Myung-bo is expected to stick with the 3-4-2-1 that worked well against Czechia. Kim Seung-Gyu continues in goal after making three key saves in the opener. Kim Min-Jae marshals the back three, with Lee Gi-Hyuk and Lee Han-Beom alongside him. Wing-backs Seol Young-Woo and Lee Tae-Seok provide width and defensive cover.
Hwang In-Beom was the standout performer against Czechia, scoring the equaliser and assisting the winner to earn man of the match. He anchors the midfield alongside Paik Seung-Ho. Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-Sung operate in the two attacking midfield roles behind Son Heung-Min, who leads the line as captain.
Son will be central to everything South Korea do going forward and will look to exploit space behind Mexico’s full-backs.
Formation: 3-4-2-1
GK: Kim Seung-Gyu
Defenders: Lee Gi-Hyuk, Kim Min-Jae, Lee Han-Beom
Wing-backs: Seol Young-Woo, Lee Tae-Seok
Midfield: Hwang In-Beom, Paik Seung-Ho
Attacking mid: Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-Sung
Forward: Son Heung-Min
