Mexico may have one other take a look at in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they shut out the worldwide window in opposition to South Korea on Tuesday. El Tri will face the Taegeuk Warriors at GEODIS Park in Nashville, providing Mexico a possibility to construct off their latest performances. The group is driving excessive from profitable Concacaf competitions this 12 months, however settled for a scoreless draw in opposition to Japan on Saturday.
In the meantime, South Korea is recent off defeating Mexico’s Concacaf rivals. The Taegeuk Warriors defeated the U.S. males’s nationwide crew, 2-0, and lately certified for the 2026 World Cup.
Learn how to watch Mexico vs. Japan
- Date: Tuesday, Sept. 9 | Time: 9 p.m.
- Location: Geodis Park –Nashville, Tn.
- TV: Univision | Stream: Fubo (Strive totally free)
- Odds: Mexico +200; Draw +105; South Korea +240
Alternative for fringe gamers
For Mexico, Saturday’s draw in opposition to Japan was a considerably underwhelming alternative after they might have made one other assertion in opposition to world competitors. The group is little doubt the undisputed prime canine in Concacaf, however who’s El Tri exterior of the area?
The pleasant in opposition to South Korea is a crucial audition for any fringe gamers battling for remaining spots on the 23-player World Cup roster. Aguirre has acknowledged that almost all of his roster is almost finalized, however accidents and circumstances occur, and prime performances right here might make or break a shot on the dream roster. As co-hosts of the upcoming World Cup, strain will solely improve on sustaining prime type.
A head-to-head in opposition to South Korea can even be a vital take a look at of total depth, as Aguirre might want to make changes for the absent Cesar Montes. The middle again was despatched off on a purple card in the course of the match in opposition to Japan, and was a vital participant for El Tri in the course of the Gold Cup. Johan Vazquez will likely be a possible starter to fit in his place, and it will be an enormous take a look at for the backline typically.
Managing positional battles in opposition to a technical facet in South Korea ought to showcase Mexico’s capability for resolving situational consciousness. A win, or high-scoring draw, couldn’t solely re-establish momentum however show a useful step within the journey to the World Cup.
One other shot for Hirving Lozano
An extended-time function on Mexico’s nationwide crew, Hirving Lozano makes his long-awaited return to El Tri after greater than a 12 months. The lengthy absence was a major second, and the winger was as soon as a key participant, however fell out of favor with the nationwide crew over the earlier 12 months. The winger has 9 targets and 6 assists for MLS’s San Diego FC.
His latest type is tough to disregard, however Javier Aguirre’s problem will likely be the way to make the most of Lozano if he maintains his performances shifting ahead. Alexis Vega has been the common starter on the left, Lozano’s conventional position, and Vega’s potential to tackle defenders provides one other layer to Mexico’s assault. It is a welcome drawback for Aguirre, and a golden probability for Lozano to remind this system why he belongs on the worldwide stage and contribute to a World Cup on dwelling soil.
Prediction
In contrast to Japan, this will likely be sport two of the window, which implies either side may have a sport below their belt. For South Korea, it was simple work in opposition to Concacaf competitors, however they will not take Mexico evenly. Each groups rating, however it’ll really feel like extra of the identical for Mexico to work on issues. Choose: Mexico 1, South Korea 2
