Mexico and South Korea Meet in 2026 World Cup Group A Match

Mexico and South Korea played their second Group A match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on 18 June at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan. m. local time. South Korea captain Son Heung-min started as striker, while Mexico captain Edson Alvarez anchored the defense.

Son Heung-min needs one more World Cup goal to become South Korea’s all-time leading scorer with four. He is tied with Ahn Jung-hwan and Park Ji-sung at three goals each and did not score in South Korea’s 2-1 win over Czechia. Head coach Hong Myung-bo made one change from the Czechia lineup.

Kim Moon-hwan replaced Lee Tae-seok, and Seol Young-woo shifted from the right side to the left. Oh Hyeon-gyu, who scored the go-ahead goal against Czechia, started on the bench. South Korea lined up with goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu behind defenders Lee Han-beom, Lee Gi-hyuk, Kim Min-jae, Kim Moon-hwan, and Seol Young-woo.

The midfield featured Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Jae-sung, and Lee Kang-in. Mexico started goalkeeper Raul Rangel. Defenders were Jorge Sanchez, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, and Jesus Gallardo.

Midfielders included Erik Lira, Luis Romo, and Brian Gutierrez. Forwards were Raul Jimenez, Julian Quinones, and Roberto Alvarado. Alvarez started in place of Cesar Montes, who received a red card in Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa and is suspended.

Jimenez and Quinones, who scored against South Africa, started again. Referee Gustavo Tejera officiated the match. Son Heung-min gave a thumbs-up sign during a training session at Chivas Verde Valle in Zapopan on June 17.

The winner finishes first in Group A and secures a knockout-stage berth. Mexico coach Javier Aguirre and South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo led their teams.