Mexico and Korea Republic face each other on Thursday, June 18, 2026, with kick-off at 9 p.m. ET at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara in a Group A clash that could decide who tops the table.
Both nations share the same Group A bracket alongside South Africa and Czechia. Mexico go in as the tournament co-host with the crowd advantage, while Korea Republic bring momentum and tactical resilience from their opener.
This blog covers everything you need to know: how to watch Mexico vs Korea Republic Football World Cup kick-off team news live, including squad lists, broadcaster details, and a full tactical preview.
Key Details
- Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Kick-off Time: 9 p.m. ET / 2 a.m. BST (June 19) / 11 a.m. AEST (June 19) / 10 a.m. KST (June 19)
- Venue: Estadio Akron, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Where to Watch: Fox Sports / FS1 (USA) | BBC / ITV (UK) | SBS On Demand (Australia) | TSN (Canada) | KBS / JTBC (South Korea) | Zee5 (India)
Where to Watch Mexico vs. Korea Republic Football World Cup Match?
Fox Sports and FS1 hold English-language broadcast rights in the United States, with Spanish-language coverage on Telemundo and Universo. In the UK, both BBC and ITV carry all 104 matches of the 2026 Football World Cup, meaning BBC iPlayer and ITVX offer free streaming options.
In Australia, SBS On Demand streams the entire tournament for free. Canadian viewers can access the match on TSN and TSN Plus. South Korean fans can watch on KBS2, JTBC, and JTBC Sports, with Naver’s CHZZK platform also streaming all 104 matches live.
How to Watch Mexico vs. Korea Republic with a VPN
If the match is unavailable in your region, a VPN unlocks free access to BBC iPlayer, which is broadcasting every World Cup game in the UK.
BBC iPlayer is geoblocked to the United Kingdom, meaning anyone outside the UK cannot access it without a UK IP address. A VPN solves this in minutes.
- Sign up for PureVPN and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a UK server to get a British IP address.
- Visit BBC iPlayer and sign in or create a free account.
- Search for the Mexico vs Korea Republic match and start streaming live.
Please note: VPN usage is subject to the terms and conditions of the streaming platform. Always use VPN services for lawful purposes only.
Mexico vs. Korea Republic Football World Cup Team News
Mexico Team News
Javier Aguirre returned for his second stint as Mexico head coach in 2023 and has steered El Tri into the 2026 tournament on home soil. He led Mexico to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup title, beating the United States in the final. Mexico went into the tournament having beaten Serbia 5-1 in a pre-tournament friendly on June 5, and they then opened the World Cup with a commanding 2-0 win over South Africa at Estadio Azteca on June 11.
The major team news concern heading into matchday two is the suspension of central defender Cesar Montes. Montes received a red card in stoppage time against South Africa after being judged to have denied Khuliso Mudau a goal-scoring opportunity. Aguirre confirmed that captain Edson Alvarez, who started the South Africa game on the bench while still returning from a February ankle surgery, was likely to step in at centre-back alongside Johan Vasquez.
Left-winger Julian Quinones, who scored Mexico’s opening goal against South Africa, is also a doubt after he asked to be substituted late in that match with a limp. Alexis Vega was reported to be on standby as cover. Despite these concerns, Mexico remain strong favourites playing on home soil in Guadalajara at altitude with a partisan crowd behind them.
Key attacking threats Raul Jimenez and Julian Quinones scored in the South Africa win. The 34-year-old Jimenez arrived at his home World Cup after a strong Premier League season with Fulham. Santiago Gimenez of AC Milan provides a clinical alternative option up front. In midfield, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora was expected to receive a start, underlining the faith Aguirre placed in Mexico’s brightest young talent.
Korea Republic Team News
Hong Myung-bo, a former sweeper who captained Korea Republic to fourth place at the 2002 World Cup on home soil, was appointed head coach in 2023. He set Korea Republic a target of going further than the Round of 16 exits they suffered in 2010, 2018, and 2022. Korea Republic were the only Asian side to go unbeaten throughout third round AFC qualifying, which gave them confidence ahead of the tournament.
Korea Republic began Group A with a 2-1 comeback win over Czechia on June 12 at Estadio Akron, the same stadium they face Mexico in. They went behind to a Ladislav Krejci header before Hwang In-beom, playing as a box-to-box midfielder, equalised and then assisted Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winner in the 80th minute. Hwang was named Player of the Match for that performance.
Two players were listed on the World Cup injury report following the Czechia game. Attacking midfielder Bae Jun-ho of Stoke City was managing an ankle issue and was not certain to start. Centre-back Kim Tae-hyeon was also returning from an ankle injury and was not expected to feature in the starting eleven. Lee Gi-hyuk was expected to continue on the left of a defensive trio alongside Kim Min-jae and Lee Han-beom.
Captain Son Heung-min, now 33 and based at LA FC, was described by Hong as the heart of the team. Son went close on several occasions against Czechia without converting. Lee Kang-in, representing Korea Republic from Paris Saint-Germain, offered further creative threat in midfield alongside Lee Jae-sung of Mainz. Kim Min-jae, the Bayern Munich central defender, anchored the back three.
Mexico World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Raul Rangel, Guillermo Ochoa, Carlos Acevedo
- Defenders: Jorge Sanchez, Cesar Montes, Edson Alvarez, Johan Vasquez, Israel Reyes, Mateo Chavez, Jesus Gallardo
- Midfielders: Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Alvaro Fidalgo, Orbelin Pineda, Obed Vargas, Luis Chavez, Brian Gutierrez, Gilberto Mora
- Attackers: Roberto Alvarado, Santiago Gimenez, Armando Gonzalez, Cesar Huerta, Raul Jimenez, Guillermo Martinez, Julian Quinones, Alexis Vega
Korea Republic World Cup Squad
- Goalkeepers: Kim Seung-gyu, Jo Hyeon-woo, Song Bum-keun
- Defenders: Kim Min-jae, Lee Han-beom, Kim Tae-hyeon, Lee Gi-hyuk, Park Jinseob, Lee Tae-seok, Seol Young-woo, Kim Moon-hwan, Jens Castrop, Cho Wi-je
- Midfielders: Yang Hyun-jun, Paik Seung-ho, Hwang In-beom, Kim Jinkyu, Bae Jun-ho, Eom Ji-sung, Hwang Hee-chan, Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in
- Attackers: Oh Hyeon-gyu, Son Heung-min, Cho Gue-sung
Mexico vs. Korea Republic Match Preview
Both Mexico and Korea Republic arrive at Estadio Akron on June 18 having won their opening group fixtures, making this a winner-takes-all contest for first place in Group A. Mexico hold a slight edge in goal difference after their 2-0 opening win, while Korea Republic showed impressive character to come from behind and beat Czechia 2-1.
Mexico defeated Korea Republic in both previous World Cup meetings, winning 3-1 at France 1998 and 2-1 at Russia 2018. Their most recent encounter was a 2-2 friendly draw in September 2025. Across the last five meetings, Mexico have won three, with one draw and one Korea Republic victory. Mexico have also won all five of their World Cup games against Asian opposition, scoring twice or more in each of their last four such victories.
The stakes are enormous. A Mexico win would almost certainly seal their passage to the Round of 32 as Group A winners. For Korea Republic, a victory would likely see them top the group. A draw would leave both sides needing points from matchday three to confirm their advancement.
Tactical Outlook:
Aguirre was expected to set Mexico up in a back four, with Edson Alvarez dropping from midfield to fill the gap left by the suspended Cesar Montes at centre-back. Erik Lira was set to anchor in front of the defence, protecting a midfield of Brian Gutierrez, Alvaro Fidalgo, and Roberto Alvarado, with Raul Jimenez leading the attack. Mexico’s approach relies on home crowd intensity, high pressing, and direct forward play through Jimenez’s aerial threat.
Hong Myung-bo deployed Korea Republic in a 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 shape against Czechia, emphasising high energy pressing described as “sigppa style,” vertical passes into wide forwards, and disciplined defensive organisation. Son Heung-min was expected to drop and find space in transition, targeting the gap behind Mexico’s advancing fullbacks. Lee Kang-in and Lee Jae-sung provided the creative engine in central midfield.
The key tactical battle pitted Son’s movement and finishing instinct against an Edson Alvarez now playing out of position at centre-back. If Son could drag Alvarez wide and create space for Oh Hyeon-gyu or Hwang Hee-chan in behind, Korea Republic had a genuine path to goal. For Mexico, Jimenez’s aerial presence at set pieces represented a clear vulnerability in Korea Republic’s defending of dead-ball situations.
Football World Cup Match Schedule
| Date | Day | Match |
|---|---|---|
| June 18, 2026 | Thursday | Czechia vs South Africa (Atlanta) |
| June 18, 2026 | Thursday | Mexico vs Korea Republic (Guadalajara) |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | USA vs Australia (Seattle) |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | Scotland vs Morocco (Foxborough) |
| June 19, 2026 | Friday | Brazil vs Haiti (Philadelphia) |
| June 20, 2026 | Saturday | Netherlands vs Sweden (Houston) |
| June 20, 2026 | Saturday | Germany vs Ivory Coast (Toronto) |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | Spain vs Saudi Arabia |
| June 21, 2026 | Sunday | Belgium vs Iran |
| June 22, 2026 | Monday | Argentina vs Austria |
| June 22, 2026 | Monday | France vs Iraq |
| June 24, 2026 | Wednesday | Czechia vs Mexico (Mexico City) |
2026 Football World Cup Preview
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is shaping up to be the most ambitious and expansive edition of football’s grandest stage. The 23rd edition of the tournament will be held from June 11 to July 19, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
For the first time ever, three nations are co-hosting the World Cup; a milestone that reflects both the scale of the event and the growing global footprint of the beautiful game.
2026 Football World Cup Format Explained: 48 Nations, 104 Matches
An expanded World Cup will feature 48 teams, 16 more than in Qatar 2022, and take place across three host nations for the first time. This expansion fundamentally changes the tournament’s structure.
The competition now consists of 12 groups of four teams, with each team playing three matches in their respective groups. The top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams across the tournament will advance to the knockout Round of 32.
With 32 teams advancing, the knockout stage now includes a Round of 32, a Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final, meaning there will be 104 matches in total, 40 more than in Qatar. As a result, this World Cup will last 39 days instead of the roughly 32 days of previous tournaments.
16 Host Cities Across 3 Nations in 2026 Football World Cup
There will be 16 host cities in total, with 11 in the United States, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
The cities where these games will take place include Toronto and Vancouver in Canada; Monterrey, Mexico City, and Guadalajara in Mexico; and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, and New York/New Jersey in the United States.
The opening match is especially historic. The tournament kicks off at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, where Mexico will face South Africa, making it one of the most iconic venues in World Cup history, and the first stadium to host games at three different men’s World Cups.
The final is set for an equally iconic setting. The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, which has been rebranded as New York New Jersey Stadium for the event.
The Stars to Watch in 2026 Football World Cup
The 2026 Football World Cup features a massive mix of established superstars and next-generation talent. Here are the names central to the tournament conversation:
Established Legends
- Lionel Messi — Argentina’s captain, widely expected to play his final World Cup
- Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal’s all-time icon, also likely bowing out on the biggest stage
Elite Europeans
- Kylian Mbappé — France’s generational superstar and title favourite
- Erling Haaland — Norway’s goal machine making his World Cup debut
- Jude Bellingham — England’s midfield engine and creative force
- Jamal Musiala — Germany’s technically gifted young star
- Lamine Yamal — Spain’s teenage sensation
- Harry Kane — England’s all-time top scorer hunting major honours
South American Powerhouses
- Vinícius Júnior — Brazil’s electric winger and Ballon d’Or contender
- Federico Valverde — Uruguay’s tireless and technically brilliant midfielder
North American Heroes
- Alphonso Davies — Canada’s captain and fan favourite on home soil
- Christian Pulisic — The face of US soccer playing in front of a home crowd
African Star
- Mohamed Salah — Egypt’s legendary forward bringing vast club experience to the global stage
For Messi and Ronaldo, this will likely be their final World Cups, giving the tournament an unmistakably emotional dimension as two of the greatest players in football history bow out on the grandest stage.
2026 Football World Cup Host Stadiums
| Stadium Name | Host City | Location | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto Stadium | Toronto | Toronto, Ontario, Canada | 45,000 |
| BC Place Vancouver | Vancouver | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada | 54,000 |
| Estadio Azteca | Mexico City | Mexico City, Mexico | 83,000 |
| Estadio Guadalajara | Guadalajara | Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico | 48,000 |
| Estadio Monterrey | Monterrey | Guadalupe, Nuevo León, Mexico | 53,500 |
| Atlanta Stadium | Atlanta | Atlanta, Georgia, USA | 75,000 |
| Boston Stadium | Boston | Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA | 65,000 |
| Dallas Stadium | Dallas | Arlington, Texas, USA | 94,000 |
| NRG Stadium | Houston | Houston, Texas, USA | 72,000 |
| Kansas City Stadium | Kansas City | Kansas City, Missouri, USA | 73,000 |
| Los Angeles Stadium | Los Angeles | Inglewood, California, USA | 70,000 |
| Miami Stadium | Miami | Miami Gardens, Florida, USA | 65,000 |
| MetLife Stadium | New York/New Jersey | East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA | 82,500 |
| Philadelphia Stadium | Philadelphia | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 69,000 |
| San Francisco Bay Area Stadium (Levi’s Stadium) | San Francisco Bay Area | Santa Clara, California, USA | 71,000 |
| Seattle Stadium | Seattle | Seattle, Washington, USA | 69,000 |
Prize Money and Commercial Scale for 2026 Football World Cup
The prize money for this World Cup was confirmed at a official meeting in Doha. The prize fund is up 50 per cent on that of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and each team also receives $1.5m to cover preparation costs, meaning every team is guaranteed at least $10.5m.
The United States last hosted the men’s World Cup in 1994, and that tournament still holds the record as the most attended World Cup with 3.6 million fans. But that record will certainly be shattered in 2026 with fans entering turnstiles in three countries.
2026 Football World Cup official broadcasters
Here’s a list of the official broadcasters for the 2026 Football World Cup Qatar in different countries across the world.
| Country/Region | Broadcaster(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | ATN |
| Albania | TV Klan |
| Algeria | ENTV |
| Andorra | RTVE, M6, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Angola | Z Sports |
| Argentina | Telefe, TV Pública, TyC Sports |
| Armenia | Fast Sports |
| Aruba | Telearuba |
| Australia | SBS |
| Austria | ORF, ServusTV, Magenta Sport |
| Azerbaijan | İTV |
| Bangladesh | TBA |
| Belize | Nexgen |
| Belgium | VRT, RTBF |
| Bolivia | Red Uno, Unitel, Entel, Tigo Sports |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | Arena Sport |
| Brazil | Grupo Globo, CazéTV, SBT/N Sports |
| Brunei | TBA |
| Bulgaria | BNT |
| Cambodia | Hang Meas |
| Canada | Bell Media |
| Caribbean | Rush Sports |
| Chile | Chilevisión |
| China | CCTV, Migu, Xiaohongshu |
| Colombia | Caracol, RCN, Win Sports |
| Costa Rica | Teletica, Tigo Sports |
| Croatia | HRT |
| Curaçao | Nos Pais Television |
| Cyprus | Sigma TV |
| Czechia | ČT, TV Nova |
| Denmark | DR, TV2 |
| Dominican Republic | CDN 37, Pio Deportes |
| Ecuador | Teleamazonas |
| El Salvador | TCS, Tigo Sports |
| Estonia | TV3 Estonia, ERR |
| Ethiopia | Hagerie TV |
| Fiji | FBC |
| Finland | Yle, MTV3 |
| France (Metropolitan) | M6, beIN Sports |
| France (Ultramarine) | Antenne Réunion, La 1ère |
| Georgia | Setanta Sports, Rustavi 2 |
| Germany | ARD, ZDF, Magenta Sport |
| Ghana | ChannelOne TV |
| Greece | ERT |
| Guatemala | Albavisión, Tigo Sports |
| Haiti | TNH |
| Honduras | Televicentro, Tigo Sports |
| Hong Kong | PCCW |
| Hungary | MTVA |
| Iceland | RÚV |
| India | Unite8 Sports (Zee) |
| Indonesia | TVRI, FolaPlay, Telkomsel |
| Ireland | RTÉ |
| Israel | KAN, Charlton |
| Italy | RAI, DAZN |
| Ivory Coast | RTI, NCI |
| Jamaica | TVJ |
| Japan | NHK, Nippon TV, Fuji TV, DAZN |
| Kazakhstan | QAZTRK |
| Kenya | Azam TV |
| Kosovo | RTK, TV Vala, Arena Sport |
| Kyrgyzstan | KTRK, Beeline Ukmush TV |
| Laos | TBA |
| Latvia | TV3 Latvia |
| Liechtenstein | SRG SSR |
| Lithuania | TV3 Lithuania |
| Luxembourg | RTBF, M6, ARD, ZDF |
| Macau | TDM |
| Malawi | Azam TV |
| Malaysia | RTM, Unifi TV |
| Maldives | ICE Networks |
| Malta | Television Malta |
| Mauritius | MBC |
| Mexico | TelevisaUnivision, TV Azteca |
| MENA | beIN Sports |
| Mongolia | EduTV, National Television, Suld TV, MNB, Mobihome VOO |
| Montenegro | RTCG, Arena Sport |
| Morocco | SNRT |
| Mozambique | Miramar, Z Sports |
| Myanmar | TBA |
| Nepal | Himalaya Sports, Dgo |
| Netherlands | NOS |
| New Zealand | TVNZ |
| Nicaragua | Grupo Ratensa, Tigo Sports |
| North Macedonia | Arena Sport |
| Norway | NRK, TV2 |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Tapmad |
| Panama | RPC/COS, TVN Media, Tigo Sports |
| Paraguay | Trece, GEN TV |
| Peru | América Televisión |
| Philippines | Aleph Arena, TAP DMV, Cignal PPV |
| Poland | TVP |
| Portugal | Sport TV, RTP, SIC, TVI, LiveModeTV |
| Romania | Antena |
| Russia | Match TV |
| Rwanda | Azam TV |
| Saint Lucia | Winners Sports TV |
| San Marino | RAI, DAZN |
| Senegal | RTS |
| Serbia | PTC, Arena Sport |
| Singapore | Mediacorp |
| Slovakia | RTVS, TV JOJ |
| Slovenia | RTV SLO, Arena Sport |
| South Africa | SABC, SportyTV |
| South America | DSports, Disney+ |
| South Korea | JTBC, KBS, NAVER Sports, CHZZK |
| Spain | RTVE, Mediapro/DAZN |
| Sri Lanka | TBA |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | New World TV, SuperSport |
| Suriname | STVS, ATV |
| Sweden | SVT, TV4 |
| Switzerland | SRG SSR |
| Taiwan | ELTA, EBC, TTV |
| Tajikistan | Varzish TV |
| Tanzania | Azam TV |
| Thailand | TBA |
| Timor-Leste | RTTL, ETO |
| Turkey | TRT |
| Turkmenistan | Quest Sports Media |
| Uganda | Azam TV |
| Ukraine | MEGOGO |
| United Kingdom | STV (Central & Northern Scotland), BBC, ITV |
| United States | Fox Sports (English), Telemundo (Spanish) |
| Uruguay | Canal 5, Antel TV |
| Uzbekistan | Zo’r TV |
| Vanuatu | VBTC |
| Venezuela | Televen |
| Vietnam | VTV |
| Zambia | Azam TV |
| Zimbabwe | Azam TV |
Major 2026 Football World Cup Matches to Watch This Week
With the group stage now underway, several of the tournament’s biggest storylines are still to come. Here’s what’s on the horizon for the stars listed above.
Argentina vs Algeria — Messi’s Farewell Tour Begins (June 16, Kansas City)
Defending champions Argentina open their campaign against Algeria, marking what is widely expected to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup appearance. Given Argentina’s pedigree and Messi’s status as one of the most-watched athletes on the planet, this fixture is likely to be one of the most-streamed matches of the opening week.
Iraq vs Norway — Erling Haaland’s World Cup Debut (June 16, Foxborough)
Norway’s long wait for a return to the World Cup stage ends here, and it comes with one of football’s most prolific strikers in Erling Haaland making his tournament debut. Norway will be looking to start strong in Group I against Iraq.
Portugal vs DR Congo — Ronaldo’s Final World Cup Opener (June 17, Houston)
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his Group K bow against World Cup debutants DR Congo. Like Messi, this is expected to be Ronaldo’s last World Cup, adding emotional weight to every appearance he makes throughout the tournament.
England vs Croatia (June 17, Arlington)
A repeat of past tournament classics, this Group L meeting pits Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane’s England against a Croatia side that has reached a final and a semi-final in the last two World Cups.
2026 Football World Cup: A Tournament for the Ages
This year’s 2026 Football World Cup is more than a football tournament; it is a cultural event spanning an entire continent. The tournament is expected to be the largest World Cup ever by both attendance and scale, and is also expected to expand the reach of football across North America.
With legendary players potentially playing their last World Cups, host nations hungry for glory, and a brand-new format delivering more football than ever before, the summer of 2026 promises to be utterly unforgettable for fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mexico vs Korea Republic kicks off on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico. In UK time, that is 2 a.m. BST on Friday, June 19.
Both nations are in Group A, alongside South Africa and Czechia. Group A games are being played at venues in Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Atlanta.
Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca on June 11, with Julian Quinones and Raul Jimenez scoring. Korea Republic came from behind to defeat Czechia 2-1 on June 12 at Estadio Akron, with Hwang In-beom equalising and then assisting Oh Hyeon-gyu for the winner.
Cesar Montes is suspended for Mexico after receiving a red card late in the South Africa match. Javier Aguirre indicated that Edson Alvarez would move into central defence to cover the absence. Julian Quinones is also a doubt after suffering a knock.
Son Heung-min, Korea Republic’s captain and record appearance maker with 143 caps, is their most dangerous attacker. The LA FC forward went close against Czechia and will be the primary focus of Mexico’s defensive attention.
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