Mexico vs. South Korea: World Cup Group Stage Match on June 19, 2026

Mexico and South Korea will face each other on June 19, 2026, in the second round of the group stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico began the tournament with a victory but has demonstrated a pragmatic and defensive approach, limiting shots against them while struggling to generate consistent attacking opportunities. The team will be without defensive stalwart César Montes, who received a straight red card and must serve a suspension. Edson Álvarez will replace him in central defense, bringing different qualities—less reliable defensively but effective in set-piece situations.

South Korea emerged as one of the tournament's surprise packages in their opening match, dominating the Czech Republic across all key statistical measures with 62% possession, 15 shots to 7, and higher expected goals. The South Korean team, coached by Hong Myung-bo, displayed psychological resilience after conceding first, ultimately reversing the result. Key players Hwang In-beom, Lee Kang-in, and Son Heung-min all made significant contributions, demonstrating the team's ability to apply aggressive pressing and transition quickly to attack.

The match location presents an interesting dynamic: the stadium in Guadalajara sits at 1,566 meters above sea level, giving Mexico a traditional altitude advantage. However, South Korea has prepared specifically for this challenge, conducting training sessions in the mountains of Pachuca at 2,500 meters elevation. Mexico is also expected to make adjustments to their attacking lineup, with 17-year-old Gilberto Mora potentially entering and Jorge Sánchez possibly being replaced by Israel Reyes on the right flank.

Historically, the teams have played five recent matches with mixed results: a 2-2 draw in September 2025, Mexico victories in 2020 (3-2) and 2014 (4-0), and a South Korean win at the 2018 World Cup (2-1). Analytical predictions favor South Korea avoiding defeat, given their strong recent form and Mexico's defensive vulnerabilities with Montes absent. The match begins at 04:00 Moscow Standard Time.