Mexico vs South Korea LIVE: Start time, how to watch and confirmed lineups! 2026 World Cup Matchday 2

Mexico face South Korea in the 2026 World Cup Matchday 2. Follow our live coverage for minute-by-minute updates. Want to know how to watch, when it kicks off and confirmed lineups? Stay with us for full broadcast details and real-time action.

By Emilio Abad

Updated on June 18, 2026 08:19PM EDT

**© Carl Recine/Alex Slitz /Getty Images**Raul Jimenez of Mexico and Son Heung-Min of South Korea.

Mexico face South Korea on Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup Group A with first place in the group on the line. Both teams arrive with three points after winning their opening matches, making this one of the most anticipated clashes of the round and a key step toward the Round of 32.

[Watch Mexico vs South Korea live in the USA on Fubo]

Mexico opened their campaign with a convincing 2-0 victory over South Africa, a result that placed them at the top of Group A. The hosts will look to build on that strong performance and move one step closer to securing qualification with another positive result.

Meanwhile, South Korea also made an impressive start by defeating Czechia 2-1 in their opener. The Asian side enters the match full of confidence and will aim to challenge Mexico for the top spot after showing quality and resilience in its first outing.

08:20PM

Why are Santiago Gimenez and Guillermo Ochoa not starting?

Santiago Gimenez will not start for Mexico in tonight's match. With Raul Jimenez firmly established as the first-choice striker, Gimenez is currently viewed as the third or fourth option in the attacking depth chart, making his absence from the starting lineup a tactical decision by Javier Aguirre.

Guillermo Ochoa will also begin the match on the bench. Javier Aguirre remains committed to Raul Rangel as Mexico's starting goalkeeper, so despite Ochoa making history by appearing at his sixth World Cup, he serves as the backup for this tournament.

08:00PM

South Korea starting XI

South Korea will lineup as follows: Kim Seung-gyu; Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, Kim Moonhwan, Seol Young-woo; Lee Gi-hyuk, Hwang In-beom, Paik Seung-ho; Lee Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in and Son Heung-min.

07:55PM

Mexico confirmed lineup

Mexico's starting lineup has been confirmed for tonight's Group A clash against South Korea:

Raul Rangel; Jesus Gallardo, Johan Vasquez, Edson Alvarez, and Jorge Sanchez; Erik Lira, Luis Romo, Brian Gutierrez, Roberto Alvarado, Julian Quinones, and Raul Jimenez.

07:40PM

Tonight's referees

The officiating crew for tonight's match has been confirmed. Uruguayan referee Gustavo Tejera will take charge of Mexico vs South Korea, with fellow Uruguayans Carlos Barreiro and Nicolas Taran serving as assistant referees. Colombian Andres Rojas will be the fourth official, while Uruguay's Leodan Gonzalez will oversee VAR duties.

07:20PM

Start time and how to watch

Mexico vs South Korea will get underway at 9:00 PM (PT: 6:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea live in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, FOX and Telemundo.

07:00PM

Mexico and South Korea clash in 2026 World Cup Matchday 2

Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 World Cup!

Mexico face South Korea in a crucial Group A showdown with first place on the line after both teams opened the tournament with a victory.

Stay with us for key moments, important updates, and minute-by-minute coverage as Mexico and South Korea battle for the top spot in the group.

Emilio Abad

Emilio Abad is a bilingual journalism graduate from Universidad de Especialidad Espíritu Santo. He joined the Bolavip US team in 2024, bringing with him a deep passion for international soccer and basketball. Emilio has gained valuable experience as a news anchor on a university program and completed an internship at Radio Forever in Guayaquil. He has also covered Liga Pro events in Ecuador, highlighting his expertise in sports reporting. Through these roles, he has built a strong foundation in journalism, with a focus on sports media and storytelling.