Players from Mexico warm up before the World Cup Group A soccer match between Mexico and South Korea in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, Thursday, June 18, 2026.
| Photo Credit:
AP

Mexico make three changes for their World Cup Group A clash against South Korea ‌on Thursday (June 18, 2026), with captain Edson Alvarez dropping into ⁠central defence to replace suspended Cesar Montes, while Kim Moon-hwan comes into ‌the Korean midfield.

Alvarez replaces suspended centre back Cesar ‌Montes, who was sent off ‌in ⁠Mexico’s opening 2-0 win ⁠over South Africa.

Jorge Sanchez comes in at right back in place of Israel Reyes.

Midfielder Luis Romo replaces Alvaro Fidalgo in Mexico’s only other change.

Goalkeeper Raul Rangel retains his ‌place ahead of veteran Guillermo Ochoa after keeping a clean sheet against South ⁠Africa.

South Korea make one change, with Kim Moon-hwan replacing Lee ‌Tae-seok while coach Hong Myung-bo otherwise keeps faith with the side that beat Czech Republic 2-1.

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

South Korea: ⁠Kim Seung-gyu, Lee Han-beom, Kim Min-jae, ⁠Kim Moon-hwan, Lee Gi-hyuk, Seol Young-woo, Hwang In-beom, Lee ‌Jae-sung, Lee Kang-in, Paik Seung-ho, Son Heung-min.

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