Mexico vs South Korea — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Match preview / What to expect
Updated Jun 6, 2026Co-hosts Mexico face South Korea in a marquee Group A meeting, with Javier Aguirre's side carrying the weight of home expectation against a Korean team built around captain Son Heung-min.
Mexico will count on the Napoli sharpness of Santiago Gimenez and the experience of Edson Alvarez to dictate matters, roared on by a passionate home support. Hong Myung-bo's South Korea always carry a threat with Son's quality from the left and the creativity of Lee Kang-in pulling the strings.
A fast, open game looks likely. Mexico's home advantage gives them the edge, but Son's matchwinning ability means Korea will always be in the contest.
Key storylines
- 01Son Heung-min, Korea's captain and talisman, on the World Cup stage once more.
- 02Co-host Mexico harnessing home support to chase a statement result.
- 03Lee Kang-in's creativity against Edson Alvarez's midfield screen.
Prediction
Mexico 2-1 South Korea
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Mexico
Formation 4-3-3- 1G. Ochoa
- 2J. Sanchez
- 3C. Montes
- 4J. Vasquez
- 5J. Gallardo
- 6E. Alvarez
- 7L. Romo
- 8L. Chavez
- 9C. Huerta
- 10S. Gimenez
- 11R. Jimenez
South Korea
Formation 4-2-3-1- 1Jo Hyeon-Woo
- 2Kim Moon-Hwan
- 3Kim Min-Jae
- 4Cho Wi-Je
- 5Seol Young-Woo
- 6Hwang In-Beom
- 7Paik Seung-Ho
- 8Lee Jae-Sung
- 9Lee Kang-In
- 10Son Heung-Min
- 11Cho Gue-Sung
Team news
Mexico
- Santiago Gimenez expected to lead the Mexican attack.
- Edson Alvarez anchors midfield for El Tri.
South Korea
- Son Heung-min captains and leads Korea's attacking threat.
- Kim Min-jae marshals the back line.
Sources
Preview is editorial. Projected lineups are not confirmed team sheets.
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