Two nations that made a winning start to Group A meet in Guadalajara in the early hours of Friday morning as co-hosts Mexico take on South Korea.
Mexico kicked off the World Cup finals last Thursday evening by recording a comfortable 2-0 victory over South Africa at the iconic Azteca.
Julian Quinones gave Javier Aguirre’s men an early lead inside the opening 10 minutes before Wolves-bound Raul Jimenez doubled the advantage in the 67th minute in a match that saw three red cards.
That result also extends Mexico’s unbeaten streak to nine matches in 2026 (W7-D2-L0), only failing to defeat both Portugal and Belgium in that run.
South Korea also made a winning start in Group A as they came from a goal down to defeat Czechia 2-1 in an impressive display.
Wolves defender Ladislav Krejci gave the Czechs the lead just before the hour mark, but goals from Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu turned the game around and gave Myung-Bo Hong’s side all three points.
How the bookies view it: Mexico favourites
Mexico are favourites to make home advantage count in the early hours of Friday morning, with bet365 pricing an El Tri success at 1/1.
South Korea are 3/1 underdogs to make it two wins from two in Group A, whilst the draw is 23/10.
Head to head: More Mexico success against South Korea?
These two nations have met 15 times, with Mexico coming out on top in eight of those matches (W8-D3-L4).
Two of those clashes have come at the World Cup, with El Tri winning on both occasions, defeating the Taeguek Warriors 3-1 at France 98, before winning 2-1 in Russia in 2018.
Players to watch: Raul to roar again?
Raul Jimenez finally got his first World Cup goal at the seventh time of asking last Thursday, as his trademark header sealed all three points against South Africa.
That’s now back-to-back games the former Fulham frontman has scored for El Tri, and he is an appealing 13/8 to continue his streak in front of goal against South Korea.
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Predicted line-ups:
South Korea appear to have a fully fit squad, but Mexico will be without defender Cesar Montes following his late red card against South Africa in their opener.
Mexico: Rangel, Reyes, Alvarez, Vasquez, Gallardo, Lira, Alvarado, Gutierrez, Fidalgo, Quinones, Jimenez
South Korea: Seung-gyu, Hanbeom, Min-jae, Gi-hyuk, Young-woo, In-beom, Seung-Ho, Tae-seok, Kang-in, Heung-min, Jae-sung
Anything else catch the eye?
After victories on MD1, these two nations know a win will not just secure their passage to the Round of 16 but also potentially seal top spot in the group, depending on the result in the other group game.
Mexico were comfortable winners over South Africa – and whilst South Korea should give them more of a challenge – I’m backing Javier Aguirre’s men to make home advantage count.
What’s more, El Tri have a good record against South Korea – winning both previous meetings at the World Cup – and I’m backing that trend to continue in Guadalajara in the early hours of Friday morning.
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