The South Korean team (right) staged a comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match of the 2026 World Cup - Photo: AP
Late on June 18th and early on June 19th, the second round of matches in Groups A and B of the 2026 World Cup group stage will continue.
An opportunity for the South Korean team.
The 2-1 comeback victory against the Czech Republic in their opening match gave South Korea a huge advantage. However, the next challenge, Mexico at the Guadalajara Stadium, will be on a completely different level.
Currently, host nation Mexico leads Group A thanks to a better goal difference after defeating South Africa 2-0. South Korea is behind due to an inferior goal difference. Therefore, the direct confrontation between the two teams will decide who gets an early ticket to the Round of 32.
A victory against hosts Mexico would secure Hong Myung Bo's team a place in the next round one match early. This is because the 2026 World Cup prioritizes head-to-head results when teams are tied on points.
In the event of a draw between the two teams, the Asian representative's chances of advancing remain very high, as they only need a draw in the final match to secure their place. However, if they slip up against Mexico, South Korea will face immense pressure in the final match and risk an early exit from the tournament.
Eight ounces against half a pound
To earn points against Mexico, coach Hong Myung Bo needs to address the defensive weaknesses that were exposed in the match against the Czech Republic. Despite the victory, South Korea's defense still made mistakes in dealing with aerial balls and set pieces. A prime example is the goal conceded from a long throw-in by the opponent.
Facing a Mexico side with incredibly unpredictable wing attacks and dangerous crosses from Roberto Alvarado, center-back Kim Min Jae needs to focus on commanding the defense and sealing off the penalty area. Up front, striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, after playing the hero with the decisive goal in the 79th minute, is eager to start alongside his senior teammate Son Heung-min.
On the other side of the pitch, Mexico's coach Javier Aguirre is struggling to find a way to fill the void left by center-back Cesar Montes, who received a red card in the previous match. Therefore, it is highly likely that captain Edson Alvarez will be moved to partner Johan Vasquez in central defense.
Nevertheless, Mexico's attack remains incredibly formidable with the presence of Raul Jimenez – who scored in the opening match – and striker Julian Quinones. Support from midfield by the talented young midfielder Gilberto Mora, or the speedy runs down the flanks from his teammates, will put the South Korean defense on high alert.
Along with the individual showdown between Raul Jimenez and Kim Min Jae, the midfield battle between South Korean playmaker Lee Kang In and Mexico's defensive midfielder Erik Lira will be key to deciding the match.
Son Heung-min of the South Korean national team.
Group B is unpredictable.
Before the South Korea vs. Mexico match, fans will witness the Group A clash between the Czech Republic and South Africa at 11 PM on June 18th. Both teams are currently without any points. Therefore, another defeat would mean the door to the next round is almost closed. The Czech Republic, with its classic European style of play, is considered the stronger team.
In Group B, the situation is even more unpredictable as all four teams have one point each after 1-1 draws in their opening matches. At 2 AM on June 19th, Switzerland will face Bosnia and Herzegovina. With a quality and experienced squad led by Granit Xhaka, Switzerland will certainly want to secure all three points to gain an advantage. However, they will undoubtedly face fierce resistance from the disciplined playing style of the Eastern European representatives.
Shortly after, at 5 PM, hosts Canada faced Qatar with the goal of securing a victory. The enthusiastic support of the home crowd was expected to help Canada break through Qatar's deep and pragmatic defense, opening up a dramatic race for qualification in this group.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/tuyen-han-quoc-se-lay-ve-som-100260618115947679.htm
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