Mexico vs South Korea — World Cup 2026 Group · Matchday 2
Venue
To be confirmed
Date
Thursday, 18 June 2026
Kickoff
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
Kickoff editorial call
Mexico 2-1 South Korea
Projected lineups
Projected XI — not confirmed
Mexico
Formation 4-3-3- 1G. Ochoa
