'Is Korea Scary?' Mexico Hides Tactics with Closed-Door Training; Even Prepares 'Top Teen Prospect' as Surprise Weapon

*This content was translated by AI.

Mexico aims to minimize exposure of its strength ahead of the South Korea match. Through closed-door training, it plans to conceal its starting lineup concepts and detailed tactics as much as possible.

Mexican media outlet TUDN reported on the 16th (Korea time) that "Mexico plans to finalize its starting lineup for the South Korea match during closed-door training."

South Korea and Mexico will face off in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Group A at Estadio Akron, located in Zapopan near Guadalajara, Mexico, at 10 a.m. (Korea time) on the 19th.

Earlier, South Korea secured a 2-1 comeback victory against the "tall army" Czech Republic in the opening match. Trailing 0-1, goals from Hwang In-beom (Feyenoord) and Oh Hyeon-gyu (Besiktas) in succession turned the tide of the match.

Host nation Mexico also defeated South Africa 2-0 in the opening match. With both teams starting the World Cup with victories, the team that adds three points in the second match will gain an advantage in advancing from the group stage and competing for first place in the group.

The gap in strength between the two teams is not large. In the FIFA rankings, Mexico is 14th and South Korea is 25th. This matchup could be decided by a single small variable.

Mexico is also showing a determined atmosphere to prepare for the South Korea match. According to reports, Mexico conducted closed-door training at the national team training center in Mexico City on this day, and Javier Aguirre, Mexico's head coach, plans to decide the starting lineup for the South Korea match based on this training. The media explained that "Mexico will hide the tactical cards it will deploy against South Korea through closed-door training."

However, some outlines have emerged. In the first match, center-back Cesar Montes (Lokomotiv Moscow) received a red card and will not be able to play in the South Korea match. Consequently, Edson Alvarez, who is active in Europe, is expected to fill the void.

Alvarez's main position is defensive midfielder, but he is a versatile player capable of playing as a center-back. Although he is not a type with overwhelming height at 186 cm, he can add stability to the defense with his mobility and precise tackling ability.

Alvarez passed through the prestigious Dutch club Ajax before transferring to West Ham (England) in 2023. Last season, he wore the Fenerbahce jersey on loan.

There is also a possibility of changes in the midfield. The media predicted that Gilberto Mora (Tijuana), born in 2008, could get a chance over Brian Gutierrez (Chivas), born in 2003, who played in the first match. Mora, born in 2008, is a top teenage prospect that Mexican football is counting on. He is building his presence as a late-game joker for the young Na I-e-do (CEO) team. He has already played in 11 A-match games.

Earlier, the Mexican edition of El Pais described Mora as someone who "reads the game and play well and finds space with his waist movements." Former Mexico head coach Juan Carlos Osorio also highly praised Mora, saying he "has natural talent." He was even compared to world-class player Andres Iniesta. Aguirre coach praised Mora, saying, "Mora plays with courage, boldness, and a direct style."

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*This content was translated by AI.