A crucial match is set to take place. The South Korean national football team, who triumphed over the Czech Republic in the opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will compete against Mexico—the host country and top team in Group A—at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico, on the 19th at 10 a.m. (Korean time) in their second group-stage encounter.
The team that wins the confrontation between South Korea and Mexico will likely guarantee their place in the Round of 32. South Korea is anticipated to encounter its most challenging game in the group stage against Mexico, which will receive strong home crowd support.
The South Korean squad previously faced Mexico in a friendly match held in Nashville, United States, last September, resulting in a 2-2 draw following a hard-fought contest. At that time, Mexico, supported by passionate support from Mexican and Hispanic American fans in Nashville, put up a strong challenge. South Korea allowed a goal from Mexico’s star forward Raúl Jiménez in the 22nd minute of the first half but responded with a goal from Son Heung-min, later taking the lead through an effort by Oh Hyeon-gyu in the second half. Nevertheless, they conceded again just three minutes before the final whistle, ending up with a frustrating draw.
◇Be cautious of ‘Early Crosses’ and ‘Mid-Range Shots’
Two goals scored by Mexico during the September friendly match were the result of “early crosses.” The first goal, scored by Raúl Jiménez in the 22nd minute of the first half, started with an early cross from close to the center line that flew straight into the penalty area, passing over Kim Min-jae and heading towards Jiménez for a header.
The equalizer in the 48th minute of the second half, when South Korea was ahead 2-1, began with an early cross. The ball was sent from Mexico’s left side deep into South Korea’s area to the right part of the penalty box, landed in the arc, and was taken by Santiago Giménez, who netted with a precise mid-range strike.
Mexico, used to playing at high altitudes, makes full use of the benefit that the ball moves further and quicker in such conditions. In their opening game against South Africa on the 12th, Raúl Jiménez scored an insurance goal in the 22nd minute of the second half, netting it with a header from an early cross delivered by left-wing expert Roberto Alvarado from the right side. South Korea needs to be careful about Mexico’s early crosses from both sides and concentrate on second-ball contests.
Furthermore, Mexico consistently tries mid-range shots from the so-called “half-spaces,” taking advantage of the high-altitude benefit. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu, who made several key saves against Mexico in the September friendly and the recent game against the Czech Republic, needs to stay alert.
◇Engage in Air Combat and Utilize Open Back Areas
On the other hand, Mexico’s vulnerabilities were revealed during the September friendly match. The present Mexican central defensive duo consists of César Montes (190 cm) and Johan Vasquez (184 cm). Nevertheless, in the September friendly, Montes was substituted by 187 cm Juan José Escamilla, who played alongside Vasquez. During that game, South Korea’s starting player Oh Hyeon-gyu, who is 187 cm tall, outperformed Escamilla and Vasquez in set pieces and aerial challenges.
Son Heung-min’s goal in the 20th minute of the second half was also a result of Oh Hyeon-gyu’s strong aerial ability. A pass from the right side was headed by Oh Hyeon-gyu during a confrontation with a Mexican defender, and the ball bounced to the left part of the penalty area, where Son Heung-min delivered a strong shot to tie the score.
In the match scheduled for the 19th, Mexico’s captain and only center-back taller than 190 cm, César Montes, will miss the game because of a red-card suspension from the encounter against South Africa. This presents a major benefit for South Korea. Employing tall forwards such as Oh Hyeon-gyu and Cho Gue-sung during set pieces and long-ball strategies may create challenges for Mexico’s defensive line.
Mexico also revealed weaknesses in covering the areas between the center-backs and fullbacks during the September friendly match. Son Heung-min’s equalizer was scored in the space between a center-back and a fullback, where he was left unmarked and successfully took a accurate shot.
Oh Hyeon-gyu scored in the 30th minute of the second half following a fast break. Lee Kang-in provided a forward pass that was received by Oh Hyeon-gyu on the right side of the penalty area, and he confidently shot at the far post from the gap between the center-back and fullback, breaking through the defense.
Mexico is strong in quick counterattacks and controlled buildup play, but frequently leaves spaces behind the fullbacks when the whole team advances and loses the ball.
During a match against Australia on the 31st of last month, Mexico secured a 1-0 victory but faced two near-goals because of Australia’s fast counterattacks through the fullback areas. South Korea should concentrate on quick transitions following the ball recovery during Mexico’s counterattacks. Moreover, players such as Son Heung-min, Lee Kang-in, and Oh Hyeon-gyu, who have strong shooting skills, should take courageous long-range shots from outside the penalty area, making use of the high-altitude benefit, and make the most of second-ball chances.
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