Mexico vs. South Korea

Guadalajara Stadium, Zapopan, Mexico

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Thursday, June 18th, 9 p.m. ET

Mexico and South Korea both opened their World Cup campaigns with wins, setting up a massive Matchday 2 clash in Group A with another victory likely enough to secure top spot. As a result, neither side is expected to settle for caution, increasing the likelihood of an open contest, making Both Teams to Score Yes at plus money the standout play. 

Mexico’s 2–0 win over South Africa provided a solid start, though the match was influenced by a 49th-minute red card for the opposition’s Yaya Sithole before ending the game with only nine men. While they controlled possession and created a steady flow of chances, the opposition being reduced in numbers made the game more comfortable than it might otherwise have been.

Going forward, Mexico has been productive in recent matches, with their tournament opener marking the third time in their last four internationals that they have scored multiple goals. They have a forward line that combines experience with mobility. Premier League veteran Raúl Jiménez offers a focal point in attack, while others around him provide the legs and creativity.

South Korea represents a step up in class, and they can expose the Mexicans’ defensive vulnerabilities, which we may have seen against any full-strength opponent. Their come-from-behind victory over Czechia, showed both resilience and attacking quality, creating plenty before eventually scoring twice.

Their varied attack is still built around national hero Son Heung-min, who, although yet to score in 13 MLS appearances for LAFC this season, has provided a league high eight assists. While players like Lee Kang-in of PSG add more technical quality, making them dangerous, particularly when quickly turning defense into attack.

At the same time, there are signs of inconsistency at the back, shipping four against Ivory Coast and five versus Brazil in the last 12 months. Even against a Czechia side that struggled to create chances, they still conceded, suggesting that they can be exposed when under pressure.

The context of the group encourages positive football, as does Mexico playing on home soil, meaning they are likely to take the initiative and push forward in search of control. That approach could leave space behind, which plays into South Korea’s strengths on the break.

Chances should be frequent at both ends, as was the case when these two met in a friendly last September. A 2-2 tie continued a recent goal-heavy head-to-head trend with the Mexicans edging a five-goal thriller in 2020 and winning 2-1 when they met at the 2018 World Cup.

World Cup Best Bet: Mexico vs South Korea – Both teams to score YES +102

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