Co-hosts Mexico face South Korea in a group stage fixture at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is played at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Guadalajara, with El Tri backed by a passionate home crowd in one of Mexican football’s spiritual homes.
What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is the 23rd edition of the tournament and the first to feature 48 teams. The expanded format consists of 12 groups of four, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed sides qualifying for the round of 32. Matches run from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
When is South Korea vs Mexico?
The match takes place during the opening round of group games in mid-June 2026. Local kick-off in Guadalajara is scheduled for an evening slot, with a late UK start time given the time difference.
Where is South Korea vs Mexico?
The game is staged at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Home to Chivas, one of Mexico’s most storied clubs, the stadium opened in 2010 and has a capacity of around 49,000. It is one of three Mexican venues hosting World Cup matches in 2026, alongside Estadio Azteca and Estadio BBVA.
Key Contenders
Mexico qualify automatically as co-hosts and enter under coach Javier Aguirre. El Tri look to rediscover their best form after a disappointing 2022 group-stage exit, with experienced players such as Edson Alvarez, Hirving Lozano and Santiago Gimenez central to the squad.
South Korea arrive as one of Asia’s strongest sides, led by captain Son Heung-min. Coach Hong Myung-bo blends Son’s experience with the emerging talent of Lee Kang-in and Kim Min-jae, and the Taegeuk Warriors reached the round of 16 in Qatar 2022.
How to Watch
UK coverage is shared by the BBC and ITV via their respective broadcasts and iPlayer and ITVX streaming. Fox Sports covers the match in English in the US, with Telemundo and Peacock carrying Spanish-language broadcasts. Canadian viewers get coverage via CTV, TSN and RDS. FIFA+ offers global highlights and selected live streams.
History and Records
Mexico and South Korea have met multiple times in friendly and tournament football. They faced each other at the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage in Russia, where Mexico won 2-1 in Rostov-on-Don. Mexico’s best World Cup run remains reaching the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986 as hosts; South Korea’s best was fourth place at the 2002 tournament they co-hosted.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for all matches are sold exclusively through FIFA.com and the official FIFA Ticketing platform. Host-nation games sell out quickly and Estadio Akron is expected to be full for Mexico’s appearance. FIFA operates an official resale platform for fans unable to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does South Korea vs Mexico kick off?
Mid-June 2026 during the opening round of Group A group games.
Where is the match being held?
Estadio Akron, Zapopan (Guadalajara), Mexico.
How can I watch South Korea vs Mexico?
BBC or ITV in the UK, Fox or Telemundo in the US, CTV/TSN in Canada, and FIFA+ internationally.
Who won the last World Cup meeting between these sides?
Mexico won 2-1 at the 2018 FIFA World Cup group stage.