Mexico coach calls South Korea clash 'most important game'

With South Korea and Mexico both winning their opening matches in the same group at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup on Friday, their second-round clash is shaping up as the decisive contest for the top spot.

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre singled out the upcoming match against South Korea as the most important game ahead for his side.

According to ESPN, Aguirre made the remarks after Mexico's victory over South Africa in the World Cup opener. "We will focus on the second group-stage match against South Korea," he said. "The most important game right now is the Korea match. I'm not thinking about finishing first in the group — I'm focused on playing better than Korea. We'll take it one step at a time and see what the future holds."

Mexico defeated South Africa 2-0 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to claim three points. South Korea also secured three points the same day, coming from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.

The two sides are level on points, but Mexico leads the group on goal difference. That sets up their second-round meeting as a de facto battle for first place.

The result of that head-to-head will likely determine who tops the group. The two teams meet June 19 at Estadio Guadalajara in Zapopan, near Guadalajara, Mexico, at 10 a.m. — the same venue where South Korea played its opening match.