Round 2 in FIFA World Cup Group A brings Mexico and South Korea to Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, a venue set for noise and nerves in equal measure. The hosts arrive as FIFA’s No. 14, the visitors at No. 25, and both opened their campaign showing different strengths. Mexico controlled and kept a clean sheet; South Korea played with tempo and got their goals. Lineups are not confirmed at the time of writing, but the data paints a clear picture of what to expect.

Form guide and streaks

Mexico are riding a wave. They come in on a four-game winning streak and are unbeaten in nine, a run built on fast starts and control. They have been the first-half winner in five straight matches and scored first in four of their last five. Goals have not been wild either, with five of their last six finishing under 2.5. Corner counts have stayed low too, with under 10.5 corners in nine of their last ten.

South Korea’s recent form is steady and effective, with three wins on the bounce and a strong record of discipline. Nine of their last ten have seen under 4.5 cards, which fits how they manage games. They also trend toward under 10.5 corners in five of their last six. While Mexico’s streaks lean toward control and early leads, South Korea’s point to a composed group that limits chaos. The contrast sets up a compelling balance.

Head-to-head trends you should know

History leans Mexico’s way. In the team duel, Mexico have four wins and one draw in the last five meetings against South Korea. The most recent result was a 2–2 friendly, but competitive history includes Mexico wins at the 2018 World Cup (2–1) and 1998 World Cup (3–1). There was also a heavy 4–0 friendly in 2014 and a 3–2 Mexico win in 2020, underlining their edge in this matchup.

The scoring profile in this fixture is lively. The last five head-to-heads all finished over 2.5 goals, with both teams scoring in four of those five. That sits in contrast with Mexico’s recent under trends, and it is a data point worth watching. Another note from the matchup: fewer than 4.5 cards have been shown in each of the last five meetings. Even with stakes rising, this duel often delivers action without turning scrappy.

How they play: shapes and key stats

The data lists Mexico in a 4-1-4-1 shape, and their opening performance backed up a possession-first plan. They posted 61% possession, 520 total passes and 89.8% pass accuracy. In the final third, Mexico created two big chances and put four of their 16 shots on target, scoring both goals from inside the box. They also dribbled well, completing nine of 15 attempts, and held up in the air, winning 68.2% of aerial duels.

Defensively, Mexico were tidy. They allowed only three shots and two on target, kept a clean sheet and made 15 clearances. That said, they did finish with one red card in the opening match, which matters for selection here. On the other side, South Korea shaped up 3-4-2-1 and used the ball impressively. They had 62% possession, completed 469 of 541 passes (86.7%) and generated six shots on target from 15 total attempts, converting twice.

South Korea’s chance creation numbers stand out. They produced four big chances and created three of them directly, pointing to a midfield that moves the ball quickly and accurately. They were also strong in duels, winning 59.6% overall and 62.8% in the air. The downside was 115 possessions lost, partly a byproduct of their speed and volume. Still, 32 clearances suggest they can absorb pressure when needed and spring back forward.