Mexico have won each of their last three meetings with Korea Republic, notably claiming victory during both World Cup encounters between the pair, prevailing 3-1 in Lyon in 1998 and then 2-1 in Rostov-on-Don two decades later.
South Korea's most notably victory over el Tri came on home soil during the 2001 Confederations Cup in Ulsan, while their most recent clash saw the Mexicans win 3-2 in behind-closed-doors in Wiener Neustadt during the height of the pandemic.
Mexico vs South Korea preview
Can Mexico extend their unbeaten streak to nine internationals? On Saturday night in Oakland, el Tri held Japan to a goalless draw. It was a game of few chances, with César Montes' red card in injury time, pretty much, the only event of note. Nevertheless, 2025 has very much been a year of positivity for next summer's World Cup co-hosts, after a couple of years of misery.
Since the re-appointment of Javier Aguirre, Mexico have won two pieces of silverware, lifting the CONCACAF Nations League trophy for the very first time in March, before retaining their Gold Cup title in July, fighting back from a goal down to defeat USA 2-1 in Houston. From here on out though, el Tri only have friendlies on their agenda before commencing their World Cup campaign at Estadio Azteca on 11 June. Next month, they'll face Colombia in Texas and Ecuador in Zapopan, but this'll be another tough test, so will Mexico claim a noteworthy victory at Geodis Park in Tennessee?
As for Korea Republic, having already beaten one World Cup co-host this week, why not defeat another? At the weekend, the Taegeuk Warriors swatted aside the United States, comfortably prevailing 2-0 in New Jersey, with Son Heung-min lashing home the opener, before Lee Dong-gyeong made victory secure on the cusp of half time. As usual, South Korea breezed through AFC qualifying, doing so undefeated, winning 11 of 16 matches, scoring 40 goals and conceding just eight.
Thus, next summer will be Korea Republic's 11th successive World Cup appearance, dreaming of going beyond the round of 16 on foreign soil for the first time ever. Manager Hong Myung-bo was captain back in 2002 when the Taegeuk Warriors shocked the world by reaching the semi-finals, and he now has a squad capable of something similar. So, can South Korea defeat Mexico in Nashville?
Mexico vs South Korea head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 12.
- Mexico Wins: 8. Draws: 1. Korea Republic Wins: 4.
Mexico team news
César Montes' red card against Japan means he is suspended, while legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa as well as Gerardo Arteaga, Luis Chávez, Luis Romo and Julián Quiñones are all not in the squad. Meantime, Edson Álvarez is sidelined, after hobbling off during the first half on Saturday.
In terms of who will feature, Jesús Orozco is the most-likely deputy at centre-back, while Álvarez is a huge loss at the base of midfield, with Érik Lira likely to come in, as he did off the bench in Oakland.
Javier Aguirre picked Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado as his wingers at the weekend, but Chucky Lozano will feel he deserves a start, given his form for San Diego FC in MLS this season.
Mexico predicted lineup vs South Korea: (4-3-3): Malagón; Sánchez, Orozco, Vásquez, Gallardo; Lira, Ruiz, Pineda; Vega, Lozano, Jiménez.
Mexico player to watch vs South Korea
Raúl Jiménez has scored seven international goals in 2025 already, three of which have come in final victories, taking his tally to 42 for el Tri. Still ten behind Chicharito Hernández's all-time record, can the Fulham striker close that gap with a goal in Nashville?
South Korea team news
Hong Myung-bo is without Wolves striker Hwang Hee-chan but, that aside, is pretty much at full strenght, so will he stick with the back three that caused the U.S. so many problems on Saturday?
Lee Han-beom won just his second cap at centre-back against USA, while Lee Jae-sung can take his tally to 100 caps should he feature in Tennessee, the Mainz midfielder very much a key figure.
In attack, despite having Oh Hyeon-gyu at his disposal, more of a target man, South Korea could once again deploy a fluid front three, featuring Lee Kang-in of PSG, as well as their captain and talisman. Lastly, by coming off the bench in New Jersey, Jens Castrop became the first-ever foreign born player to represent Korea Republic at senior men's level.
South Korea predicted lineup vs Mexico: (5-2-3): Jo Hyeon-woo; Seol Young-woo, Kim Min-jae, Kim Ju-sung, Lee Han-beom, Lee Tae-seok; Kim Jin-gyu, Paik Seung-ho; Lee Dong-gyeong, Lee Kang-in, Son Heung-min
South Korea player to watch vs Mexico
Son Heung-min scored his 52nd international goal against USA on Saturday, chasing down Cha Bum-kun's all-time record of 58 that has stood since 1978. Will he close that gap further here?
Mexico vs South Korea prediction
Korea Republic were very impressive in swatting aside USA on Saturday, while Mexico less so against Japan later in the evening, so this clash in Nashville is tough to call: Mexico 2-2 Korea Republic.
Mexico vs South Korea FAQs - International Friendly
How to watch Mexico vs Korea Republic in an international friendly on TV channel?
Mexico vs Korea Republic in an international friendly will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Fox Sports, TUDN, Univision & fuboTV
How to watch Mexico vs Korea Republic in an international friendly on live streaming?
Mexico vs Korea Republic in an international friendly will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Foxsports.com, TUDN USA, Univision NOW & fuboTV
What is the date and kick-off time for Mexico vs Korea Republic in an international friendly?
Mexico vs Korea Republic takes place on Tuesday 9 September 2025, with kick off at 2:00am (BST), 21:00 (EDT) & 18:00 (PDT).