Mexico can secure a berth in the World Cup knockout phase if they avoid defeat against South Korea on Thursday in Guadalajara. After opening the tournament with a comprehensive 2-0 win against South Africa, El Tri take on the other winner in group A, South Korea, a side that beat Czechia on matchday 1. We predict the lineups and share team news ahead of this thrilling clash.
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Mexico vs South Korea
Date: Thursday, June 18th, 2026
Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara
Kick Off: 21:00 local time in Guadalajara
Referee: Gustavo Tejera
Current Odds: Mexico 2.00, Draw 3.30, South Korea 4.00
Mexico Team News
Mexico has a forced change with preferred starting CB Cesar Montes suspended. That means Edson Alvarez is set to come in as the CB alongside Johan Vasquez. While Jorge Sanchez could replace Israel Reyes in the backline as well.
Julian Quinones scored a great goal for Mexico but subbed off with a nagging injury later, there’s a question whether he will continue in the LW role, while Gilberto Mora is expected to debut as a starter in the World Cup for Mexico as a teenager, alongside Brian Gutierrez.
Given the winning start, Javier Aguirre was in good spirits at the El Tri press conference, stating: “We’re still thrilled by yesterday’s reception (in GDL), hearing from my people who waited hours to greet us. Parents, grandmothers, children, babies, the mariachi, everything was something indescribable. We’re deeply grateful to the Mexican fans because they make us feel an extraordinary level of support and warmth.”
South Korea Team News
South Korea’s 2-1 win over Czechia was a confidence boost for manager Hong Myung-bo and a squad that was under a lot of pressure heading into the tournament. There was little news from the pre-match press conference, the manager stating: “Their (the players) confidence is running high, and I hope it shows on the pitch tomorrow,”
South Korea appears unlikely to make any XI changes, and will continue to rely on the pairing of Kang-in Lee and Hwang In-beom to spearhead their attack.
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Mexico Predicted Lineup (4-1-4-1)
GK: Raul ‘Tala’ Rangel
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfield: Erik Lira, Gilberto Mora, Alvaro Fidalgo
Forwards: Roberto Alvarado, Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones
South Korea Predicted Lineup (3-4-2-1)
GK: Kim Seung‑gyu
Defenders: Hong Jeong‑ho, Kim Min‑jae, Gwon Kyung‑won, Seol Young‑woo
Midfield: Hwang In‑beom, Paik Seung‑ho, Lee Tae‑seok, Lee Kang‑in
Forwards: Son Heung‑min, Oh Hyeon‑gyu
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images
