Mexico and the Czech Republic, who will face Hong Myung-bo's South Korean side in the group stage of the 2026 FIFA North American World Cup, have finalized their squads.
The Mexican Football Federation on Monday (Korea time) unveiled its 26-man World Cup roster, built around players competing in Europe's top five leagues.
Players the South Korean national team must watch out for include Raul Jimenez, who plays for Fulham in the English Premier League (EPL), and teenage midfielder Gilberto Mora (Tijuana). The squad also includes naturalized players such as Spain-born Alvaro Fidalgo (Real Betis) and Colombia-born forward Julian Quinones (Al-Qadsiah). Notably, five players belong to Guadalajara, whose home ground Akron Stadium will host South Korea's second group-stage match.
The inclusion of veteran goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa (AEL Limassol) also stands out. He has now been named to the World Cup roster for six consecutive tournaments since the 2006 Germany edition, putting him on par with Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr) in terms of World Cup appearances.
Mexico will play a friendly against Serbia in Toluca on Friday (Korea time) before opening their World Cup campaign against South Africa on the 12th.
The Czech Republic also unveiled its 26-man final roster the same day. Of the 26 players, 17 currently play in the domestic league. Among those domestic league players, 10 belong to Slavia Prague, the country's top club, reflecting a focus on strengthening team chemistry.
The squad features a host of tall players aimed at dominating in the air, including midfielder Tomas Soucek (West Ham, 192cm), the all-time appearance leader for the Czech national team with 89 caps, along with Patrik Schick (Leverkusen, 191cm) and Adam Hlozek (Hoffenheim, 188cm).
