Mexico vs. South Korea Picks and Predictions: June 18, 2026
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Thu Jun 18, 2026, 10:30 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
FIFA World Cup
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-0.5
108
2
+128u
+108
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+0.5
-124
2
+102o
+306
Group A and Group B begin the second round of group stage matches today in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After one round, both Mexico and South Korea are coming off victories and have three points. But the two sides go head to head today in a match that likely determines who tops this group. Will South Korea be able to pull off an upset? Or does Mexico use the home field to their advantage once again? Find out below with our favorite picks in this match.
Check out the best odds on the market and tons of picks in different soccer leagues across the world.
Mexico vs. South Korea FIFA World Cup Betting Insights
Julian Quiñones scored the opening goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Mexico shutout South Africa by a score of 2-0 in their opener, thanks to goals from Julian Quiñones and Raul Jiménez. They controlled 60% of possession, put four shots on goal, and allowed just 0.07 expected goals from South Africa. There was absolutely no offense. However, they will be without centerback César Montes today, and I think that could hurt them against this South Korean attack.
After a scoreless first half against Czechia, South Korea went down in the 59′ minute. However, they stayed in the match, battled for an equalizer and even found a late winner. Will they be able to bring that same offensive production into this match against the hosts?
Matchup Information – Mexico vs. South Korea – June 18
- Venue & Location: Estadio Akron (Guadalajara, Mexico)
- Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026
- Kick Off: 9:00 p.m. Eastern
- Broadcast: FOX/Peacock
Mexico vs. South Korea Betting Odds
Odds are courtesy of our friends at Lucky Rebel Sportsbook, as of June 18, 2026, at 10:10 a.m. eastern. Sign up today and get a $1,250 deposit bonus as well as 50 slot spins immediately in your account and start betting at the sportsbook with the most competitive odds in the industry, and a wide variety of unique markets not offered anywhere else.
Moneyline
- Mexico +105
- Draw +220
- South Korea +295
Draw No Bet
- Mexico -210
- South Korea +175
Total
- Over 2.5 (+130)
- Under 2.5 (-150)
Mexico vs. South Korea FIFA World Cup Picks
Oh Hyeon-Gyu was South Korea's hero in their opening match, scoring the winner in the 80′ minute
Best Bet: South Korea +0.5 (-125) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
We are sitting with a ticket for Mexico to win the group at even money, so tonight I am "hedging" by backing South Korea on the double chance line. If Mexico wins, they likely take Group A, but if South Korea can earn a draw, things are much closer and the Koreans would have the easier final match. I think this is a contest that South Korea could win outright.
I see it being a cagey match, and would lean under 2.5 if you forced my hand to bet the total. South Korea beat Czechia 2-1, but produced 2.30 expected goals while allowing just 0.82. They had more big chances created and shots on target while earning over 62% of possession. Without their starting center back, Mexico could struggle against South Korea.
Ultimately, I see a scoreless or a 1-1 draw, or maybe a 1-0 result either way. However I'll take a stab at Korea on the double chance line, just in case our Mexico future doesn't get across the finish line.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+525)
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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