Taeguk Warriors to face challenge in Guadalajara as home crowds power an aggressive Mexican side

MEXICO CITY — Mexico is Korea's next hurdle, and the host nation is sending Koreans on a trip down memory lane to two decades ago, when anything seemed possible on home soil.

After Mexico’s commanding 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday in local time, El Tri hopes to reignite the wave that carried Korea to the semifinals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup as a host nation. Korea, the lesser-regarded underdog in the football world, thrived during the 2002 games with the backing of passionate home crowds.

The Mexico-South Africa match was played in Mexico City, at an elevation of more than 2,200 meters (7,217 feet) above sea level, but the hosts appeared perfectly comfortable in the thin air. Fueled by relentless pressing and dangerous attacks down the wings, Mexico dictated the tempo from the opening whistle and rarely allowed South Africa any room to take chances.

The tournament's first goal arrived just nine minutes into the match. After winning possession high up the field, Mexico quickly turned defense into attack. Julián Quiñones of Mexico finished the move with a precise right-footed strike to become the first player to score at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

For the Korean team, Julián Quiñones remains the most formidable player. He was a former Colombia U-20 international who later naturalized as a Mexican citizen in 2023. In the 2025-26 season on Saudi club Al Qadsiah, he scored 33 goals — five goals ahead of Al Nassr's Cristiano Ronaldo in the race for the league’s scoring title.

Mexico doubled its advantage in the 67th minute when Raúl Jiménez met a cross with a clever header after timing his run into the penalty area perfectly.

With less than a week remaining before the meeting in Guadalajara, Korea’s head coach Hong Myung-bo is on a mission to find ways to neutralize Mexico's aggressive press and dangerous wing play.

The opening match between Mexico and South Africa also featured three red cards.

After two South African players were sent off, Mexico suffered a setback of its own when veteran center back César Montes of FC Lokomotiv Moscow was shown a red card deep into stoppage time while attempting to stop a counterattack. Montes has been a fixture on the national team since 2017 and has made nearly 70 appearances for his nation. His suspension might be an opportunity for Korea.

Despite the victory, Mexico revealed some weaknesses in the match. The Mexican team struggled to fully seize control after taking the lead, and their attack often lacked precision in the final third. Even after South Africa was reduced to 10 men early in the second half following Sphephelo Sithole's dismissal, Mexico struggled to consistently impose itself on the game.

The clean sheet was also somewhat misleading. Mexico's back line looked vulnerable whenever South Africa broke forward on the counterattack, and the defensive shape was disrupted on several occasions.

Korea and Mexico will meet at 7 p.m. on Thursday in Guadalajara, the same venue where the Taeguk Warriors — as the Korean team is often referred to — defeated the Czech Republic. The match will be aired live in Korea at 10 a.m. on Friday.

In addition to Mexico's skills, on the field, Korea should overcome a hostile home crowd and the intangible advantages that often benefit a host nation.

If Korea wins, that would put the team at a definite advantage in advancing to the tournament rounds. But even a draw would be valuable, as one win and one tie in the first two matches would allow Korea to approach its final group-stage game against South Africa with considerably less pressure.

Finishing in third place in Group A could be enough to advance, as eight of the 12 third-placed teams will qualify for the Round of 32. With a win and a draw from the first two matches, a convincing victory over South Africa could even put Korea in position to top the group.

Under tournament rules, teams with equal points are separated first by head-to-head results. If three teams finish tied, points earned and the goal difference in matches among those teams determine the standings.

At the moment, both Korea and Mexico have opened with victories, but Mexico holds a one-goal advantage in goal difference.

Stuck at work or school when Korea kicks off? We've got you covered. The Korea JoongAng Daily is live-blogging every Korea match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, around the clock. Don't miss a moment.  

BY PIH JU-YOUNG [[email protected]]