"Breaking the Second-Match Winless Curse in Mexico" ... Hong Myung-bo's Team Sets Sights on Top Spot in Full Strength [2026 FIFA World Cup]

[Financial News] South Korea is aiming to shatter the long-standing "second-match curse" that has never been broken and secure a place in the round of 32 early in the heart of host nation Mexico. Under head coach Hong Myung-bo, the national team has completed its final preparations for a historic second straight win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
South Korea will face co-host Mexico in the second match of Group A at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at 10 a.m. on the 19th at Estadio Guadalajara in Mexico. After opening with a 2-1 victory over Czechia in the first match, Hong Myung-bo's side can virtually secure first place in the group and a spot in the knockout stage with another win.
The biggest storyline ahead of the Mexico match is undoubtedly the effort to break the "second-match winless curse." South Korea has appeared in 11 consecutive World Cups since Switzerland in 1954, but it has never won its second group-stage match, posting a painful record of 4 draws and 7 losses. It is a challenge the team must overcome.

Fortunately, the pieces are falling into place for a win. The most encouraging factor is the gap in Mexico's defense. In the first match against South Africa, Mexico lost its key center back Cesar Montes (FC Lokomotiv Moscow) to a red card, ruling him out of this game. The absence of the 195-cm defensive anchor, who combines dominant aerial ability with strong footwork, is a major blow for Mexico. Edson Álvarez (Fenerbahçe S.K.), who is expected to replace him, is also not fully fit because of an ankle injury.
Hong Myung-bo is preparing a clear attacking weapon to exploit that weakness. Son Heung-min (LAFC), whose mere presence shapes the tactics, will draw defenders and create space, while Oh Hyeon-gyu (BJK), who scored the winner in the first match and has also found the net against Mexico before, will lead the charge. Cho Gue-sung (FC Midtjylland) is also ready to add his hold-up play and attack Mexico's weakened aerial defense, giving South Korea several offensive options.

The squad has also returned to peak condition. Bae Jun-ho (Stoke City Football Club) and Kim Tae-hyeon (Kashima Antlers), who had been sidelined by injuries, both returned, giving the team its first full 28-man roster since arriving in Guadalajara. Two days before the decisive match, the coaching staff held a closed training session on the 16th, keeping everything away from public view while focusing on tightening the defensive structure and improving set-piece execution.
The psychological comfort level is also at its highest. Han Deok-hyeon, who oversees the team's mental preparation, explained that playing consecutive matches at the same venue where the players previously achieved a strong result in sports psychology terms gives them tremendous stability and confidence. Being able to use Estadio Guadalajara, the site of the comeback win over Czechia, as a kind of home ground is a major advantage for Hong Myung-bo's team.


Mexico, which set up its base camp in Mexico City at an altitude of 2,200 meters before moving down to Guadalajara at 1,571 meters, is expected to face the same altitude conditions as South Korea. In the end, the match will come down to tactical precision and concentration.
All eyes are now on Estadio Guadalajara to see whether Hong Myung-bo's fully assembled squad can end the stubborn second-match curse and celebrate an early advance to the round of 32 on Mexico's home turf.
 

jsi@fnnews.com Jeon Sang-il Reporter