Preview: Mexico vs South Korea prediction, odds, where to watch, time | FIFA World Cup 2026

Can Asian powerhouse South Korea pull off a big upset against hosts Mexico in Guadalajara?

Positioned on the edge of the scenic Santiago River basin, Guadalajara Stadium in Mexico gears up to host a highly anticipated Group A fixture of Matchweek 2 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, where hosts Mexico take on Asian powerhouse South Korea in what is set to be a thrilling battle.

A win in the next game could almost guarantee a spot in the knockout rounds for both teams, as both teams are coming after winning their first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The hosts, Mexico, are coming after a brilliant 2-0 win over South Korea in the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026, courtesy of goals from Julián Quiñones and Raul Jiménez. A win in the next game could almost guarantee their place at the summit of Group A.

After making it to the knockout rounds for seven consecutive editions, El Tri failed to advance past the group stages for the first time in nearly five decades, and now they would be keen to make the most of their home advantage against South Korea.

They are led by Mexican gaffer Javier Aguirre, who took over the reins in 2024 and has previously been at the helm of teams like Atletico Madrid, Japan and Egypt national team.

Talking about South Korea, the Taegeuk Warriors failed to advance past the group stage when they last played in the World Cup twice in American soil in 1994 USA and 1986 Mexico. But decades later, things look very different, as they are coming after a 2-1 comeback win over Czechia in the opening game.

They are led by Korean gaffer Myung-Bo Hong, who has extensive experience playing in North America during his time as a player for the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Major League Soccer.

World Cups have a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this encounter has all the ingredients to be another memorable chapter. With talented players spread across the pitch and little room for error, fans can expect an entertaining battle between two teams eager to make their mark in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Kick-off:

• Location: Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
• Stadium: Guadalajara Stadium (Estadio Akron)
• Date: Thursday, June 18
• Kick-off time: 1 a.m. BST [6:30 a.m. IST, Friday, June 19 / 7 p.m. local CST]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Mexico (in all competitions): D-W-W-W-W

South Korea (in all competitions): L-L-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Raul Jimenez (Mexico)

Jimenez was in tears after scoring Mexico’s second goal against South Africa in the opening fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and raised his arms to the heavens, dedicating a special goal to his father, who passed away a few months ago.

Jimenez had a decent spell with London outfit Fulham in the English Premier League. Despite Wolves’ relegation to the Championship, he made a move back to Molineux Park recently.

This is Raul Jimenez’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance, and he is a veteran who knows how to find goals and is one of the most clinical strikers in the Mexican team.

Son Heung Min (South Korea)

Unarguably one of the greatest South Koreans to ever play the beautiful game of football, Son is a living legend, who spent almost a decade in Tottenham Hotspur before winning the UEFA Europa League and making a move to Los Angeles FC.

Son is coming after a productive spell with Los Angeles FC in the Major League Soccer, making 17 goal contributions in just over 20 games.

Son is lethal from the edge of the penalty area, and in his early thirties, he still has that zeal and pace to beat young full-backs. Captain Son will be keen to pull a big upset against the hosts and secure a knockout berth for the Taegeuk Warriors.

Match Facts

• These two sides met twice at the World Cup and Mexico won both the games.
• The last meeting between these two sides ended in a 2-2 draw
• Ricardo Pelaez is the leading goal scorer in this fixture.

Mexico vs South Korea: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in a draw – 9/4 with Betfred
• Heung Min Son to score – 5/2 with Betfred
• Mexico 2-2 South Korea – 18/1 with Betfred

Injury and Team News

Cesar Montes picked up a red card in the last game and will be out for the next game. Captain Edson Alvarez will be the primary choice to replace Montes in the next game.

Tae-hyeon Kim and Joon-ho Bae is doubtful for the next game due to injury concerns.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 15

Mexico won: 08

South Korea won: 05

Games drawn: 02

Predicted Lineups

Mexico predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Raúl Rangel (GK); Israel Reyes, Edson Álvarez, Johan Vásquez, Jesús Gallardo; Érik Lira; Brian Gutiérrez, Roberto Alvarado, Álvaro Fidalgo, Julián Quiñones; Raul Jiménez.

South Korea predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Kim Seung-Gyu (GK); Seol Young-Woo, Lee Han-Beom, Kim Min-Jae, Lee Gi-Hyuk, Lee Tae-Seok; Hwang In-Beom, Paik Seung-Ho; Lee Jae-Sung, Lee Kang-In; Son Heung-Min.

Match Prediction

Mexico may have home advantage and maybe the highest-ranked team in the group, but despite that, South Korea has a knack for winning against big teams, and they are very unpredictable. A knockout berth is at stake, and we expect this game to end in a high-octane draw.

Prediction: Mexico 2-2 South Korea

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5,

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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