The Independent
·18 June 2026
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Yahoo sportsThe Independent
·18 June 2026
Mexico and South Korea will battle to secure their place in the World Cup 2026 knockout stages when they meet in Group A in the early hours of Friday morning BST in Guadalajara.
The co-hosts won their opener 2-0 against South Africa at the Azteca, while South Korea edged the Czech Republic 2-1 in the same venue as this meeting. And that means a victory for either side will seal progress into the round of 32 with a match to spare.
El Tri will hope to see Raul Jimenez score again after the veteran forward’s emotional goal in the opener, while teenage star Gilberto Mora could feature again off the bench.
South Korea, meanwhile, may need to see a little more from leader Son Heung-min after their star name toiled despite the opening win.
Mexico face South Korea at 2am BST on Friday 19 June (7pm CST) in Guadalajara.
Viewers in the UK can watch the match free-to-air on BBC2 with coverage starting at 1:50pm BST. It can also be live streamed on BBC iPlayer.
Mexico will be without Cesar Montes after his red card late in the South Africa win, meaning former West Ham player Edson Alvarez could start at centre-back. Julian Quinones, scorer of the tournament’s opening goal, picked up a knock late on at the Azteca and is a doubt, with Alexis Vega set to step in should a change be required.
South Korea’s chief concern is the fitness of Stoke City’s Bae Jun-Ho, who has an ankle issue, while defender Kim Tae-Hyeon is likely to remain on the bench while he races back to fitness from another ankle injury.
Quinones is trying to shake off a knock (Getty)
Mexico: Rangel; Reyes, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo; Lira; Alvarado, Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Quinones; Jimenez.
Mexico - 10/11
Draw - 7/4







































