Hong Myung-bo's team earns first win, attention turns to second match... Kim Tae-hyeon may return from injury

[Financial News] Hong Myung-bo's team, which came from behind to beat the Czech Republic in its opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, may welcome back center back Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers), who had been listed as injured, for its second game. On the other side, Mexico's 'captain' Edson Álvarez, who has 99 international appearances, could be called into action after Montes, who started at center back, was sent off.
According to the South Korea national team on the 13th, Kim Tae-hyeon, who hurt his ankle during training two days before the match against the Czech Republic, could return to the pitch as early as the second match against Mexico.
Kim Tae-hyeon fell while taking part in rondo passing drills at the training ground on the 10th. An MRI scan at a local hospital initially suggested a ligament tear, raising the possibility that he would be ruled out for the group stage. However, the injury was later assessed as a standard sprain, and he has been cleared to continue in the tournament.
If Kim Tae-hyeon returns, Hong Myung-bo's team will regain greater flexibility in using a three-man back line. The national team currently has only two left-footed stoppers: Lee Gi-hyuk of Gangwon FC and Kim Tae-hyeon.
For Mexico, meanwhile, the focus is on who will replace César Montes, a key figure in the heart of the defense, after his sending-off.
Montes was sent off on the 12th after committing a reckless foul on an opposing player in Mexico's Group A opener against South Africa in Mexico City.
The leading candidate to replace Montes against South Korea is expected to be Edson Álvarez, the captain with 99 international caps. Álvarez, who played for West Ham United before being loaned to Fenerbahçe S.K. for the 2025-2025 season, is primarily a defensive midfielder, but he has been listed as a defender in Mexico's final squad for this tournament. Another option is Israel Reyes of Club America. Reyes is naturally a center back, but has been used at right back, where Mexico lacks depth. Luis Romo, who plays for Guadalajara in the Mexican league, is also being considered.
Meanwhile, South Korea, which sits second in Group A, will face Mexico, which defeated South Africa 2-0 the previous day, in its second match at 10 a.m. on the 19th at Guadalajara Stadium.

jiany@fnnews.com Yun Ji-an Reporter