The two winners from Group A’s opening contest will clash in the second game of the group, with co-hosts Mexico hosting South Korea. Read our preview to learn about the game and our value picks.

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Quick Picks

Our pick: Mexico to win

Value bet: Over 2.5 Goals

Long shot: Mexico 2-1 correct score

Mexico vs South Korea prediction

Mexico managed to dominate South Africa in their first encounter, winning a game that had three red cards 2-0. In contrast, South Korea showcased their quality by proving how resilient they could be by fighting back from 1-0 down to win 2-1 against Czechia.

Ahead of this contest, Mexico have been made the favourites in the moneyline odds. As our Mexico vs South Korea betting odds page shows, home advantage could be a decider once again, as this game takes place in Guadalajara. However, it’s worth remembering that South Korea’s win against Czechia was also at this stadium.

Still, El Tri appear to like playing teams from the AFC. Mexico has won each of their five previous matches in this major tournament against AFC nations. It’s why we think a Mexico win is the most likely outcome in this one…

For a feel of where the markets sit, our rundown on betting on the World Cup is worth a squiz, and you can size up this group's draw via the piece ranking the easiest and hardest groups.

Mexico vs South Korea score prediction

Both teams showed that they could be effective going forward, even though you could argue that the defences of both teams they played weren’t exactly the best. Still, it showed that both attacking lines could exploit and benefit from poor play.

This is why we think there’s value in the ‘Over 2.5 Goals’ market. While this game may be a little more closed due to both teams having already acquired a win, Mexico may feel they need to go for it in front of their home crowd.

This could spur South Korea on to attack, as they won’t want to lose the game. Additionally, the 'Over 2.5 Goals' market has hit in each of South Korea's last four matches in this competition.

With this in mind, we think the BTTS will hit, which offers better value than the ‘No’ outcome. This market has hit in each of South Korea's last six night matches at this major tournament.

That said, the ‘Draw 0-0 - Half-Time Correct Score’ offers value, as this outcome has occurred in each of Mexico's last five tournament night matches. Furthermore, the '1st Half Under 1.5 Goals' market has hit in each of Mexico's last 12 matches at this major event.

Our prediction is that Mexico win 2-1. Mexico has won each of their last two matches in this competition against AFC nations by a scoreline of 2-1.

If you fancy stacking this clash with a few other group games, have a read of what a multi bet actually involves first, and the World Cup betting hub is handy for sizing up the wider markets before you commit.

Mexico vs South Korea team news and line-ups

Predicted Mexico line-up (4-1-4-1): Jose Rangel, Israel Reyes, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, Jesus Gallardo, Erik Lira, Roberto Alvarado, Gilberto Mora, Alvaro Fidalgo, Julian Quinones, Raul Jimenez.

With a suspension forcing a reshuffle at the back, the captain is reportedly likely to drop into central defence alongside Vasquez. Cesar Montes is suspended after a red card, while Julian Quinones is reportedly a doubt with a knock.

Predicted South Korea line-up (3-4-2-1): Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Lee Gi-hyuk, Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho, Lee Tae-seok, Lee Kang-in, Lee Jae-sung, Son Heung-min.

Hong Myung-bo is tipped to keep faith with the same side that came from behind to win the opener, anchored by a back four in front of the keeper.

Bae Jun-ho is reportedly a doubt with an ankle issue, while Kim Tae-hyeon is reportedly a doubt with an ankle injury.

Mexico vs South Korea head-to-head record

Mexico and South Korea have met 5 times, and the overall record favours Mexico, who lead 4 wins to 0 with 1 draw. Most of those Mexico wins came in friendlies, so the competitive picture reads very differently.

The sides have twice met at the World Cup, Mexico winning 3-1 in 1998 and reportedly 2-1 in 2018.

Mexico have reportedly stayed unbeaten across a long stretch of fixtures, including a commanding friendly victory in 2014.

Player markets to watch

Former Fulham now Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Raul Jimenez proved to be the main man in attack for Mexico against South Africa and scored his first goal for his country at this major event. He offers good value as an anytime goalscorer once again, but we think there may be better value in the first goalscorer market.

He is third on the all-time goalscorer list for Mexico, and if given a chance, the 35-year-old is likely to find the back of the net. Indeed, with players like Julian Quinones, Alexis Vega, and Roberto Alvarado potentially on the pitch, Jiminez has every chance of having multiple opportunities to score.

Quinones had four efforts on goal against South Africa, scoring the opener. He could also be worth value as an anytime goalscorer.

Oh Hyeon-gyu offers the best value in terms of South Korea’s players to score a goal. He scored the winning goal against Czechia and entered the tournament in good form. Including qualifiers, Oh Hyeon-gyu has scored a goal in each of South Korea's last three matches.

Son Heung-min is always a threat going forward, but his value is shorter than Hyeon-gyu’s. He had four shots in the opener, but didn’t manage to find the back of the net. Still, his importance to South Korea is undeniable.

Mexico vs South Korea Match Details

Date: Friday, June 19, 2026.

Kick-off: 11:00am AEST.

Location: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara.

Where to watch: Sportsbet, SBS.

Where to Watch Mexico vs South Korea

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World Cup streaming is available both in-app and on-web. As long as you meet the above requirements, you'll be able to tune in on your computer, tablet or phone.

To access the stream for Mexico vs South Korea simply find your way to the official betting page for this match. Or, if you have a bet on the game you can watch from your "My Bets" section.

Traditional World Cup broadcaster SBS is also showing every World Cup match, meaning you can also watch Mexico vs South Korea on either SBS, SBS Viceland or SBS On Demand.

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