Matchday 2 of the 2026 World Cup begins Thursday with co-host Mexico taking on Korea Republic at Estadio Guadalajara. Both teams enter with three points in Group A: Mexico opened with a 2-0 win over South Africa, while Korea Republic defeated Czechia 2-1. Mexico’s superior goal difference has them leading the group, but Korea Republic will look to build on a strong start of its own.
The two sides met less than a year ago in a friendly that ended in a 2-2 draw, setting up another competitive meeting between familiar opponents. Kickoff is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET.
According to FanDuel Sportsbook, Mexico is listed as a +100 favorite on the 90-minute money line, with Korea Republic at +310 and the draw at +220. The total is set at 2.5 goals, while Mexico is priced at -0.5 (-105) on the spread. Mexico forward Raul Jimenez is the shortest listed anytime goal scorer at +175.
Mexico vs. Korea Republic odds
Mexico +100, Korea Republic +310, Draw +220
Mexico vs. Korea Republic over/under
2.5 goals
Mexico vs. Korea Republic spread
Mexico -0.5 (-105)
Top Mexico vs. Korea Republic prediction
The over 2.5 goals market has a strong case for this matchup. Korea Republic’s opener against Czechia produced three goals, and the team’s recent World Cup matches have trended toward open, high-scoring games. Dating back to 2022, Korea Republic’s last four World Cup matches have averaged four combined goals.
Mexico and Korea Republic also have recent history at the World Cup, including a 2018 group-stage meeting that featured three goals. Each of the past four meetings between the two nations has gone over 2.5 total goals, with those matches averaging four combined goals.
Mexico will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd, but its defense still has questions after showing vulnerabilities in the opening match. While the clean sheet against South Africa was encouraging, Korea Republic’s attacking activity and the recent scoring trends between these teams make the over a compelling betting angle.