Mexico
Co-Hosts Mexico headed into the 2026 World Cup in strong form and they carried that momentum into the opening match when they defeated South Africa 2-0 thanks to a goal in each half from Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez.
Despite appearing at numerous World Cup Tournaments that was a first ever opening matchday 1 victory for the nation. It was a victory that took them to the top of group A at this early stage.
South Korea are likely to pose much more of a threat on Thursday than South Africa did on the opening night, but after an impressive run of seven wins and two draws in the last 9 matches confidence will be high.
It is now three clean sheets from the last four matches for Le Tri and they looked very solid vs South Africa but they will have to navigate this fixture without Cesar Montes who was shown a harsh red card.
Injuries & Team News
Mexico faces a defensive concern ahead of this important clash. Centre-back Cesar Montes is suspended after receiving a late red card in the first match.
Head coach Javier Aguirre is expected to adjust his defence, possibly moving captain Edson Alvarez into a deeper role.
There is positive news as well, with winger Julian Quinones recovering from a minor injury and likely to start.
Meanwhile, 17-year-old midfielder Gilberto Mora has generated excitement among fans, who are hoping to see him in the starting lineup after an impressive substitute appearance.
Up front, experienced striker Raul Jimenez will once again lead the attack, supported by Roberto Alvarado from wide areas.
Mexico is determined to secure early progression to the knockout stage, but distractions have emerged, including a reported drone incident over South Korea’s training session, which has added an unusual element to the buildup.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-0 vs South Africa | D D W W W W |
Predicted Line-Up
Mexico (4-3-3)
Rangel; Reyes, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Alvarado, Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Quinones; Jimenez
South Korea
Hong Myung-Bo’s South Korea showed real determination to come from a goal down to beat Czechia 2-1 in their opening fixture 7 adays ago, to give them a perfect start to the 2026 Tournament.
They didn’t play badly against Czechia but found themselves behind in the 60th minute through Ladislav Krejci’s header from a Vladimir Coufal long throw. They hit back to claim victory through goals from Hwang-In-Beom and Oh Hyeon-Gyu in the 80th minute.
The 7 day turnaround will allow South Korea to fully recover as they looked physically shattered when they left the pitch last week against Czechia in hot conditions.
They will head into this encounter in Guadalajara on a three match winning run and facing the host nation will hold no fears for a side brimming with confidence.
These sides have met frequently in recent years but Korea will have to stop the rot having not won in the last 5 since a 1-0 win back in 2006.
Injuries & Team News
The South Korean squad is fully fit ahead of this match. Midfielders Bae Jun-Ho and Kim Tae-Hyeon have both returned to training and are available for selection.
Head coach Hong Myung-bo is expected to stick with the same lineup that delivered the comeback victory.
Captain Son Heung-min will once again lead the attack, while Hwang In-beom will play a key role in midfield following his standout performance.
The team also experienced a brief distraction when a drone was seen over their private training ground, but the situation was quickly handled by Mexican authorities, and Coach Hong played it down as insignificant.
South Korea believes it can cope with the pressure of playing in front of Mexico’s home crowd at Estadio Akron. A win in this match would put them in a strong position to finish top of the group and move comfortably into the next round.
Form
| Last Match | Last 6 Matches |
|---|---|
| 2-1 vs Slovenia | W W W L L W |
Predicted Line-Up
South Korea (3-4-1-2)
S Kim; H Lee, M Kim, G Lee; Seol, Hwang, Paik, T Lee; K Lee, J Lee; Son
Betting Odds
| Team | Odds | Bookmaker |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico Win | 21/20 (2.05) | Grand Ivy |
| Draw | 23/10 (3.30) | Dream Vegas |
| South Korea Win | 11/4 (3.75) | 247Bet |
Prediction
Mexico 1-1 South Korea
Both these sides impressed on night one of the world cup and would both be favoured to now qualify, with that in mind a draw would more than suit both here.