For Korea, a win against Mexico may rely on tactical discipline, or drowning out the noise — literally

The Korean national football team will face co-host Mexico in its second Group A match in Guadalajara at 6 p.m. on Thursday. With both sides coming into the match with a win in their openers, the showdown may determine the fate of the group as both nations make a push for the top spot.

The teams are level on three points each, but the host nation has the edge in goal difference with a 2-0 win against South Africa last week, while the Taeguk Warriors clinched a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against the Czech Republic.

With the two sides odds-on favorites to make it out of the group, a win for Korea may come down to small tactical details, or drowning out the noise — literally.

① César Montes' absence

Mexico will be forced to make changes at the back.

Center back César Montes, the leader of the defense, was sent off after receiving a red card for an unnecessary foul late in the match against South Africa. El Tri will therefore face the Warriors without one of their most important defenders.

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre is expected to replace Montes with Edson Álvarez, according to local media outlet Mediotiempo.

Álvarez, the captain for the tournament, is a veteran who joined the FIFA Century Club after earning his 100th cap in Mexico's opener.

Although his primary position is defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing as a center back. Known for his tackling, interceptions and ability to cut off passing lanes, Álvarez brings stability to the defense. His aggressive and physical style of play, however, often leads to fouls and yellow cards.

Against Korea, Álvarez is expected to partner with left-footed defender Johan Vásquez in central defense.

Álvarez previously played for Ajax in the Netherlands before joining West Ham United in the Premier League. He spent last season on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahce.

② Stop Julián Quiñones on the wing

Left winger Julián Quiñones is one of the players Korea's defense must be most wary of.

Quiñones scored in Mexico's victory over South Africa, netting the tournament's first goal and earning the match’s Superior Player of the Match award.

After joining Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah in 2024, he enjoyed a remarkable 2025-26 season, scoring 33 goals in 31 league appearances to finish ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored 28 goals, claiming the league's Golden Boot.

A direct and explosive attacker, Quiñones uses his pace and athleticism to attack space behind the defense, particularly in transition.

Quiñones represented Colombia at the youth level before building his professional career in Mexico and officially becoming a naturalized citizen in October 2023.

③ Home-field advantage

Mexico will undoubtedly benefit from playing on home soil.

Korea itself enjoyed home-field advantage during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when it advanced to the semifinals as a co-host.

While the Warriors' pre-tournament high-altitude training paid off against the Czech Republic last week, that conditioning may be of little consequence this time, with the Mexican side much more experienced at playing in such an environment.

The match will be played at the same stadium in Guadalajara that hosted Korea's opener, sitting at an elevation of 1,571 meters (5,154 feet) above sea level. Mexico, meanwhile, have been training in Mexico City, which lies more than 2,200 meters above sea level.

Officiating decisions could also tilt slightly in the host's favor, and Korea must be prepared for that possibility. South Africa had two players sent off in the tournament opener.

The Korean team will also need to overcome the overwhelming support of Mexican fans, who turned out in force for the country's opening match. The home support will turn the pressure up even more for this match, with the government of Jalisco, the state that includes Guadalajara, ordering schools across the state to close on match day.

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BY LEE HAY-JUNE [[email protected]]