Frances HoweUpdated June 19, 2026 — 12:34pm,first published June 19, 2026 — 4:53am12.34pmSubstitutions made after hydration breakBy Drinks break!Mexico have just started to nudge ahead in possession in this match, with more opportunities opening up for the hosts down South Korea’s end – that’s reflected on the scoreboard, with Mexico still ahead 1-0 (even though Kim Seung-gyu’s error was crucial to that).Mexico will be desperate to find a second goal here so they have a buffer, and Javier Aguirre is sending fresh legs onto the pitch.Javier Aguirre speaks to his team during the hydration break.Getty ImagesGoalscorer Luis Romo and Brian Gutierrez come from the pitch to make way for Obed Vargas and Orbelin Pineda.As for Korea, Kim Moon-hwan and Seol Young-woo are off, and Eom Ji-sung and Yang Hyun-jil are on.Mexico 1-0 South Korea, 70 minutes12.19pmWe want to hear from you: who’s at fault for that goal?By Kim Seung-gyu of South Korea after Mexico scored the opener.Getty Images12.14pmSouth Korean error leads to opening goal for MexicoBy Mexico are on the board and Korea are fuming.That’s because the opportunity comes from friendly fire, with Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu losing the ball after colliding with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk.Korea Republic keeper Kim Seung-gyu watches the ball after losing it from his grasp.Getty ImagesMexico’s Luis Romo capitalises on the mistake, sending the ball straight into the back of the net to give his team the lead and put them in the box seat to qualify for the round of 32.A win for either of these teams would result in them qualifying for the next stage of the World Cup, while a draw will mean it all comes down to the third group-stage matches.Mexico 1-0 Korea Republic, 50 minutesLuis Romo celebrates his opening goal for Mexico.Getty Images12.11pmSecond half under wayBy Here we go.We’re into the second half in Guadalajara.12.01pmStats at the breakBy 11.50am0-0 at half-time in Mexico v South KoreaBy It’s been far quieter after the drinks break in terms of shots on goal. There’s a lot riding on this match for both teams: if one wins they’ll guarantee their spot in the round of 32 – and become the first team of any group to do so.We have an off-target shot from Seol Young-woo in the 41st minute, and Korea look to be maintaining more possession, but all remains square regardless.There’s also an entertaining pairing between Erik Lira and Lee Kang-in, who gets a free-kick for South Korea off Lira’s foul.11.36amIn photos: Fans fill Estadio GuadalajaraBy A soccer sombrero – genius.AP Photo/Fernando LlanoFans of Mexico stand for the national anthem.Getty ImagesA young Mexico supporter ahead of kick-off.AP Photo/Fernando LlanoContender for best-dressed.AP Photo/Fernando LlanoAeroplanes and a helicopter fly over.Getty ImagesCaramelo (right) is attending his 11th World Cup after his first in 1970 at home in Mexico. He’s brought his son, Caramelo Jr, along to this one. AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko11.25amSon Heung-min goal saved off the lineBy A bicycle kick from Mexico’s captain, Edson Alvarez, on the goal line in the 16th minute of this match has to be the best defensive display of this World Cup so far. And Alvarez isn’t even a centre back usually, instead he’s a midfielder filling in to cover an absent Cesar Montes, who was sent off in their last match.It’s a ball from none other than Los Angeles FC’s Son Heung-min, which he chips over the goalkeeper. It would have gone in if not for Alvarez. Moments later, however, Son is ruled offside anyway.Up the other end of the pitch, Julian Quinones gets a shot on target and Korea’s keeper, Kim Seung-gyu, is forced to make an impressive save.We’re off to the drinks break.Mexico 0-0 South Korea, 22 minutesWhat a save.AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo11.08amKick-off in Guadalajara By The match between Mexico and South Korea has begun and already a yellow card has been brandished. It’s given to Lee Kang-in in the fourth minute for a foul on Luis Romo.Roberto Alvarado gets a shot off in the 7th minute but it wasn’t on target and would have gone out for a goal kick if not collected by Korea’s keeper, Kim Seung-gyu.Also, I can’t be the only one who thinks South Korea have one of the best kits in this tournament. Take a look:Brian Gutierrez of Mexico controls the ball against Paik Seung-ho.Getty ImagesCheck out those jackets.Getty Images10.58amStep aside, Merlin. There’s a new duck in townBy Merlin the duck went viral on the first day of the World Cup as he was filmed waddling towards Mexico City Stadium wearing a team jersey and socks.A duck named Merlin, dressed in a Mexico national soccer team jersey, follows his caretaker Cristian Gomez as they cross the street in Mexico City.AP Photo/Marco UgarteWell, there’s a new duck taking over as the Scottish fans in Boston continue their own campaign to be the greatest fan base at this tournament. Take a look at the Scottish duck:1 of 5