- Group standing: Mexico top Group A of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after 1 game played, scoring 2.00 goals and conceding 0.00 goals per home game in the tournament so far.
- Group standing: Republic of Korea are also on 3 points after 1 game, trailing only on goal difference after defeating Czech Republic in the group opener.
- Form guide: Mexico have won 4 of their last 5 matches in all competitions (D1) and are unbeaten in 5 at home (W4, D1).
Mexico to win and Both Teams to Score at Guadalajara Stadium
Match preview:
Hosts Mexico look to have the upper hand in the second of Friday's crucial Group A games at the Guadalajara Stadium, although the tenacity of Republic of Korea could hold them to a draw. After opening with a convincing 5-1 win over Serbia at home, followed by a workmanlike 2-0 success against South Africa, the Taegeuk Warriors are ready to challenge the Mexicans in a clash of styles.
Mexico tactics:
Javier Aguirre's men play a pragmatic brand of soccer, setting up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation that is more concerned with keeping shape and defending in numbers than expressing themselves.
- They are compact, tenacious and quick to transition through their wide forwards, which should spell trouble for a Korea side that plays with a rigid structure and wingbacks.
- Aguirre has made some shrewd tactical changes in the opening games to secure immediate results, as both the home record and the 2-0 win over South Africa showed.
- The Mexican side have been solid at the back and lethal on the counterattack, with midfielder Erik Lira providing the creativity with 1 assist in the group opener and Julian Quinones offering a constant threat to opposing defenders with 1 goal in 1 game.
Korea tactics and players:
Myung-Bo Hong has taken a different approach at the other end of the scale, alternating between a back three and a 4-2-3-1 system, with the main aim of getting his wingbacks into the game. The South Koreans are disciplined and direct when attacking, and will look to exploit the space behind the Mexican lines with a swift counter-attack.
In-Beom Hwang is Korea's main creative source, with the playmaker providing 1 assist in the group opener, while Hyun-Gyu Oh leads the line with 1 goal in 1 Group A game, and he looks deadly in front of goal.
A draw was the result when these two teams met in a Friendly International 9 months ago, with a 2-2 final score at Mexico's home. Both teams are in good form ahead of this fixture, which makes a home victory seem likely, but Korea are in their best spell for a long time, and the odds for both sides to score and for a high-scoring game look tempting.
Mexico to WIN & Both Teams to SCORE at 2.03 is the top pick for Friday's game, while the odds of 2.06 for 'Both Teams to SCORE – YES' also appeal, and 2.4 on 'Total Score Over 2.5' should appeal to those looking for a smaller stake on the same bet.
