Mexico and South Korea Bring Genuine Warmth to Guadalajara
Mexico’s second group game of the 2026 World Cup carries more emotional baggage than most. Thursday night’s clash with South Korea in Guadalajara is not just another fixture on the World Cup 2026 hub — it is the reunion of two fan bases with a genuine, well-earned bond.
According to The Guardian, supporters in Guadalajara have already been spotted performing PSY’s horse dance with Korean visitors, and the famous 2018 chant — “Coreano, hermano, ya eres mexicano!” (“Korean, brother, you are Mexican now!”) — has been revived in the streets. That chant was born after South Korea’s shock 2-0 win over Germany at the 2018 World Cup knocked out the defending champions and, in doing so, sent Mexico through to the last 16. South Korea’s ambassador was reportedly carried shoulder-high outside the Seoul embassy by jubilant Mexican fans at the time.
South Korea arrive in decent form themselves, having beaten Czechia 2-1 in their opener.
Montes Out, Álvarez In
On the pitch, Mexico face a notable disruption. Captain César Montes is suspended following a red card in the 2-0 opening win over South Africa, and Edson Álvarez — who spent last season on loan at Fenerbahce from West Ham — is expected to slot into the heart of defence. Further changes could see Jorge Sánchez come in at right-back and 17-year-old Gil Mora, who impressed as a substitute against South Africa, handed a start in midfield.
A Win That Left Doubts
The victory over South Africa was celebrated in Mexico City, and Raúl Jiménez’s opener — his first World Cup goal in four tournaments — provided a genuine moment of joy. But The Guardian reports that the mood was not entirely uncomplicated. Many local fans who regularly attend Liga MX matches have been priced out of tickets, with one South African family describing paying $1,000 each just to attend. There was also audible booing during a flat spell before the second goal, with frustration directed at coach Javier Aguirre’s cautious approach.
One supporter who turned out to see the squad depart for Guadalajara held a handmade sign calling for “effort and courage” — a sign, perhaps, that patience with the current style is limited.
With the result, Mexico are in a strong position heading into the knockout stages. You can follow the latest on the live standings as the group stage develops.