Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the international friendly match.
An international friendly in Nashville will bring together two FIFA World Cup 2026 participants who have already secured qualification and are now integrating their squads. Mexico are on an unbeaten run but lost momentum in their latest outing, drawing with Japan. South Korea, by contrast, have built momentum, comfortably beat the United States and reinforced their status as a solid, balanced team.
Mexico
Mexico returned from victory in the CONCACAF Gold Cup final over the United States (2:1), which delivered a 10th title in their history. They added success in the CONCACAF Nations League (2:1 against Panama). The overall unbeaten run stands at eight matches, and the last defeat came in June against Switzerland. However, the draw with Japan (0:0) exposed some flaws: the team went down to ten men and the attack could not unlock the opponent’s defence.
South Korea
The team arrived in the United States on the back of a controlled 2:0 win over the USA, in which Son Heung-min excelled with a goal and an assist. Their unbeaten run was recently halted with a 1:3 loss to Japan in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship final, but the squad quickly regained confidence. Defence is the main asset: five clean sheets in their last six matches. Over the previous 17 games they have suffered just one defeat, which makes South Korea a dangerous opponent even against higher-profile sides.
Mexico vs South Korea Prediction
Both national teams are in good form and look cohesive, but Mexico tend to stutter in international friendlies, whereas South Korea make better use of opponents’ weaknesses. This should be a tight, hard-fought contest where discipline and chance conversion will be decisive, and South Korea hold a slight edge in that department.
