Mexico and South Korea both opened their 2026 World Cup campaigns with victories, making Thursday's showdown in Guadalajara one of the most intriguing fixtures on today's World Cup schedule. As bettors weigh their World Cup picks for a match that could go a long way toward deciding Group A, the goal scorer market offers several compelling options.
Mexico controlled much of its 2-0 win over South Africa and now returns home needing another positive result to all but secure a place in the knockout stage. South Korea showed impressive resilience in its comeback victory over Czechia, rallying from behind to score twice in the final 25 minutes.
With both teams carrying attacking quality and plenty at stake, I break down my favorite Mexico vs. South Korea goal scorer picks for Thursday, June 18.
Mexico vs South Korea goal scorer picks
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Mexico goal scorer pick
Raul Jimenez (+203 at Kalshi)
If you're looking for the safest goal scorer play on the board, start with Raul Jimenez.
Mexico's veteran striker remains the focal point of Javier Aguirre's attack and is expected to lead the line once again against South Korea. Mexico generated plenty of dangerous moments in its opener, and Jimenez continues to benefit from the service provided by Julian Quinones, Roberto Alvarado, and Alvaro Fidalgo behind him.
South Korea prefers to defend aggressively and commit numbers forward when opportunities arise, which could leave space for Jimenez inside the box if Mexico wins possession in transition.
The veteran striker also carries penalty-taking upside, always a valuable trait when betting goal scorer markets.
South Korea goal scorer pick
Son Heung-min (+257 at Kalshi)
Son failed to find the net against Czechia, but the underlying matchup may actually suit him better here.
Mexico is likely to enjoy more possession, forcing South Korea into a reactive game plan. That should create transition opportunities for one of the world's most dangerous counter-attacking forwards.
Son remains South Korea's primary attacking threat and continues to take direct free kicks while carrying penalty responsibilities. One moment of space is often all he needs.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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