How to Watch Mexico vs South Korea – Streaming and Odds
Mexico and South Korea played an exciting soccer friendly on September 9, 2025. The game ended in a 2-2 draw at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee. This match was part of both teams’ preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexico, also known as El Tri, is co-hosting the World Cup with the United States and Canada.
Via RatingBet
South Korea, called the Taegeuk Warriors, has already qualified for the tournament. The game gave fans a thrilling show with goals, comebacks, and last-minute drama. It was a good test for both sides as they built their teams for the big event next year.
Build-Up to the Game
Before the match, there was a lot of talk about how it would go. Mexico came into the game after a 0-0 draw against Japan on September 6. In that game, they played with ten players after Cesar Montes got a red card. Mexico has been strong in its region, winning Concacaf competitions like the Gold Cup.
Via The New York Times
But they want to prove they can compete against teams from other parts of the world. South Korea had just beaten the United States 2-0, showing they are in good form. They have not lost in 15 games, which is impressive. The odds before the game had Mexico as slight favorites at +200, with a draw at +105 and South Korea at +240.
Team News and Lineups
Mexico’s coach, Javier Aguirre, made eight changes to the lineup from the Japan game. Cesar Montes was suspended because of his red card, so Johan Vasquez stepped in at center back. Edson Alvarez was out with an injury. Guillermo Ochoa, the usual goalkeeper, was not in the squad because he has not joined a new club yet.
Via CNN
Hirving Lozano, a winger who plays for San Diego FC in MLS, started for the first time in over a year. The team lined up in a 4-3-3 formation: Raul Rangel in goal; Rodrigo Huescas, Juanjo Purata, Johan Vasquez, and Ricardo Chavez in defense; Erik Sanchez, Erik Lira, and Marcel Ruiz in midfield; German Berterame, Raul Jimenez, and Hirving Lozano up front.
South Korea used a 5-4-1 formation to focus on defense and quick counters. Their coach rested Son Heung-min at the start after he played against the US. Kim Seung-gyu was in goal; Moon-hwan Kim, Hyun-beom Lee, Min-jae Kim, Tae-hwan Kim, and Myung-jae Lee in defense; Kang-in Lee, Jens Castrop, Yong-woo Park, and Jun-ho Bae in midfield; Hyeon-gyu Oh as the lone striker.
Via US Soccer
First Half Recap
The game started with both teams feeling each other out. Mexico had the first shot in the fifth minute when Erik Lira tried from outside the box, but Kim Seung-gyu saved it easily. South Korea responded in the tenth minute after Marcel Ruiz gave the ball away. Jun-ho Bae shot from close range but missed the target.
In the 20th minute, Hyeon-gyu Oh had a chance on a counter but sent it wide. Mexico broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute. Rodrigo Huescas sent a long pass into the box, and Raul Jimenez headed it past the keeper for a 1-0 lead.
Via Los Angeles Times
It was Jimenez’s 43rd goal for Mexico, putting him close to the record. Mexico controlled the ball more after that, but South Korea stayed dangerous on breaks. At halftime, the score was 1-0 to Mexico, with each team having four shots.
Second Half Recap
South Korea made a big change at halftime, bringing on Son Heung-min to boost their attack. The game stayed tight until the 65th minute when South Korea equalized. Kim Moon-hwan crossed the ball, Hyeon-gyu Oh headed it down, and Son volleyed it into the net for 1-1.
Via The Sun
It was Son’s 53rd international goal. Mexico tried to respond, but South Korea took the lead in the 75th minute. Kang-in Lee played a long ball to Oh, who hit a right-footed shot off the post and in for 2-1. Mexico pushed hard late on.
In the 89th minute, Santiago Gimenez, who had come on as a sub, missed a shot by inches. But in the 94th minute, Jorge Sanchez passed to Gimenez, who dribbled past Min-jae Kim and scored into the top corner to make it 2-2. The referee blew the whistle soon after, ending the game in a draw.
Via The Tennessean
Key Player Performances
Raul Jimenez was a star for Mexico in the first half. His goal showed his skill in the air and helped him move closer to Mexico’s scoring records. He now has 43 goals, behind Jared Borgetti’s 46 and Javier Hernandez’s 52. Santiago Gimenez saved the day with his late goal.
He showed great skill to beat a defender and finish strongly. On the other side, Hyeon-gyu Oh was outstanding for South Korea. He assisted Son’s goal and scored one himself, causing problems for Mexico’s defense all game.
Via Canadian Soccer Daily –
Son Heung-min made a big impact after coming on, scoring and leading the comeback. Hirving Lozano had a tough night. He started but was subbed off in the 60th minute after not making much happen. At 30 years old, he needs to improve to secure his spot.
Tactical Analysis
Mexico started well with their 4-3-3, controlling possession at 54 percent overall. They had 17 shots, six on target, compared to South Korea’s eight shots and three on target. But their defense struggled in the second half, allowing South Korea to counter quickly. The suspension of Montes hurt their backline, and Purata and Vasquez had to work hard.
Via YouTube
Aguirre’s changes helped in the attack but left gaps. South Korea’s 5-4-1 was solid defensively, with Min-jae Kim anchoring it. Bringing on Son changed the game, adding speed and skill. They had fewer corners (one to Mexico’s three) but made their chances count.
Historical Context
Mexico and South Korea have played 13 times before this match, with Mexico winning eight, drawing one, and losing four. In recent games, Mexico has won three of the last four, including a 3-2 victory in 2020. In World Cups, they met twice, with Mexico winning both times.
Via The New York Times
The 2018 World Cup game was 2-1 to Mexico, with goals from Carlos Vela and Javier Hernandez. South Korea’s only recent win over Mexico was in 2006. This draw adds to their rivalry, showing how close they are now. It’s good practice for the World Cup, where they might meet again.
Implications for the 2026 World Cup
This match was important for both teams’ World Cup prep. Mexico, as co-hosts, do not have to qualify but need to build a strong team. They are unbeaten in nine games now, but draws against Japan and South Korea show they need to improve against top teams. Aguirre said most of his roster is set, but fringe players like Purata and Berterame got chances.
Via The New York Times
Injuries and form will decide the final 23 players. South Korea is already qualified and unbeaten in 16 games. Beating the US and drawing with Mexico boosts their confidence. They have a mix of stars like Son and young talents like Oh. The 2026 World Cup draw will be at the Kennedy Center, as announced by former President Trump.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
The game drew 27,604 fans to GEODIS Park, creating a lively atmosphere. Many Mexico supporters wore green jerseys and chanted throughout. South Korea fans were fewer but loud, especially after their goals. The crowd got their money’s worth with the exciting finish. Social media buzzed with reactions.
Via Los Angeles Times
Fans praised Gimenez’s goal as a stunner and Oh’s performance as key. Some Mexico fans worried about the defense, while others were happy with the comeback. It was a fun night for soccer in Nashville, part of Mexico’s MexTour.
Even though the match is over, it’s worth noting how fans could watch it. It was on TV through Univision and FOX Deportes. Online streams were available on Fubo, which offers a free trial. The kickoff was at 9:30 p.m. ET. For those who missed it, highlights are on YouTube and sports sites.
Via Los Angeles Times
Looking Ahead for Mexico
Mexico has two more friendlies in October against South American teams. They play Colombia on October 11 at AT&T Stadium and Ecuador on October 14 in Guadalajara. These will be tough tests to build depth.
Aguirre will look at players like Lozano and Gimenez to see who fits best. With the World Cup on home soil, pressure is high to perform well. Fans hope for wins to build momentum. South Korea will continue its strong form.
Via Los Angeles Times
They have qualified early, so they can focus on fine-tuning. Coach will work on blending veterans like Son with young stars. Their unbeaten run shows they are a team to watch in 2026. They might face more Asian rivals next, but games like this help them against different styles.
Discover How to Stream Mexico vs South Korea Live
Both teams learned a lot. Mexico saw that their attack can create chances, but needs better finishing early. Defense must be tighter without key players. South Korea showed they can come back strong and use subs well. Speed on counters is their strength. Overall, it was a good, even match that prepared them for the World Cup challenges.
Via Playing for 90
This friendly is part of the busy international calendar. With the World Cup coming, teams play these games to test their squads. Mexico wants to be the top in Concacaf and compete globally. South Korea aims to go far in the tournament, like their semi-final in 2002. Draws like this build experience.
The 2-2 draw between Mexico and South Korea was a fun game full of action. It highlighted strengths and areas to improve for both. As they gear up for 2026, matches like this are vital. Fans enjoyed the drama, and players gained valuable minutes. Soccer keeps growing, and this rivalry adds to the excitement.
