Mexico’s El Tri are a point away from securing a berth in the knockout stage of the tournament. They play South Korea under lights in Guadalajara. Here is your look at the confirmed lineups for Mexico vs South Korea.
Read More: 2026 World Cup Matchday 8 Predictions Including Mexico vs South Korea
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’s three changes from the opening match XI are captain Edson Alvarez in place of a suspended Cesar Montes at CB. Jorge Sanchez replaces Israel Reyes at RB, while Luis Romo gets the nod in midfield ahead of Alvaro Fidalgo. That leaves teenager Gilberto Mora still on Mexico’s bench. Matchday 1 goalscorer Julian Quinones, who starred in the opening game, appears fit and ready to start after a brief injury scare.
South Korea Team News
South Korea only makes one change to their XI, Kim Moon-Hwan will replace Lee Tae-seok, while Son Heung-Min is still the starting striker despite a relatively pedestrian first game.
Read More: The Maradona Myth: The Argentina 1986 World Cup Squad Was So Much More
Mexico Confirmed Lineup (4-1-4-1)
GK: Raul ‘Tala’ Rangel
Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo
Midfield: Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Brian Gutierrez
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, Kim Moon-Hwan, Lee Kang‑in
Forwards: Son Heung‑min, Oh Hyeon‑gyu
Main Photo Credit: Smartframe Images