Mexico and South Korea play Thursday in Guadalajara at Estadio Akron aiming to secure berths in the World Cup knockout rounds. Both teams enter the second matchday of Group A after winning their opening games last week. Mexico comes off a victory over South Africa, while South Korea also records a win over the Czech Republic.
In the day’s other Group A game, South Africa draws 1-1 with the Czech Republic. Michal Sadilek gives the Czech Republic an early lead in the sixth minute, but Teboho Mokoena converts a penalty to level the match and earn South Africa a point. The result leaves both countries focused on qualification scenarios beyond the two guaranteed top-two spots in the group. Only the first two teams in each group automatically advance to the last 32, while teams that finish third may still progress depending on results across other groups.
The match between Mexico and South Korea is set to determine whether either side can ensure a knockout place with a win, though both also consider the possibility of finishing among the eight best third-placed teams.
