Co-hosts Mexico are looking for a crucial second win of the World Cup against South Korea.
The victor of this game in Guadalajara will be in the box seat to win Group A, and coach Javier Aguirre indicated improvements will be needed from Mexico if they are to continue their excellent record in this fixture.
South Korea boss Hong Myung-bo believes his side are in confident mood after coming from behind to beat Czechia.
“In the first match against Czechia, we never gave up until the end, fulfilled our roles, and secured the victory,” Hong said.
Here’s how the sides line up.
Mexico team news
Cesar Montes is suspended for Mexico following his red card against South Africa, and there are three changes in all.
Jorge Sánchez, Edson Álvarez and Luis Romo come in for Montes, Israel Reyes and Álvaro Fidalgo.
Mexico XI: Raúl Rangel, Jesús Gallardo, Johan Vásquez, Edson Álvarez, Jorge Sánchez, Brian Gutiérrez, Érik Lira, Luis Romo, Julián Quiñones, Raúl Jiménez, Roberto Alvarado
South Korea team news
Bae Jun-Ho and Kim Tae-Hyeon (both ankle) are both out for South Korea. Kim Moon-Hwan comes in for Lee Tae-Seok.
South Korea XI: Kim Seung-Gyu, Lee Gi-Hyuk, Kim Min-Jae, Lee Han-Beom, Kim Moon-Hwan, Paik Seung-Ho, Hwang In-Beom, Seol Young-Woo, Lee Jae-Sung, Lee Kang-In, Son Heung-Min
Where to watch Mexico v South Korea: TV channel, live online streams
Mexico v South Korea kicks off at 2:00am on Friday UK time. It will be broadcast on BBC Two and is also available to watch on the iPlayer and the BBC Sport website.
World Cup 2026: Mexico v South Korea stats
- Mexico and South Korea have met 14 times, with El Tri winning nine of those games. (D3, L2).
- Two of those games came at the World Cup. Mexico prevailed 3-1 in 1998 and 2-1 in 2018.
- Raul Jimenez has scored in each of his last two games against South Korea.
- South Korea are aiming to win their first two games at a World Cup for the first time.
- Mexico have won only one of their previous three games in Guadalajara. (D1, L1).
- South Korea are winless in their three games against CONCACAF opponents (D1, L2).
- Mexico have won all five of their World Cup games versus Asian opposition.
