Javier Aguirre is weighing a defensive reshuffle for the Selección De Fútbol De México ahead of its second World Cup 2026 match, with Jorge Sánchez in line to replace Israel Reyes at right back against South Korea.
The possible swap is driven by the opponent: South Korea’s pace on the flanks has pushed Mexico’s coaching staff to consider a faster option at right back. The decision would be one of at least two changes under review as Mexico prepares for the Group A fixture after a tense opening match.
The immediate urgency comes from Mexico’s first game, when César Montes was sent off in the final minutes against South Africa; that dismissal forces a defensive adjustment for the next match. One experienced midfielder has been identified as the natural replacement in the center of defense, which would ripple across the backline and influence who starts at fullback.
Aguirre is also evaluating other personnel moves: Gilberto Mora has been named among the possibilities to start, a pick that would mean sacrificing a midfield starter who began the opener and collected a yellow card. Those shifts reflect a balancing act — cover the hole left by the red card, then try to match South Korea’s speed without sacrificing control in midfield.
Another selection wrinkle sits with the goalkeeping spot. The veteran keeper is not expected to get minutes in this match, even though a younger option displayed visible nerves during the first game. That juxtaposition — sidelining experience while the backup has yet to prove composure at this level — creates a clear selection dilemma for Aguirre and his staff.
Timing matters: Mexico moves from its opener into Group A’s second match with little recovery time and no margin for a repeat late sending-off. The coaching staff’s short window to rehearse any new combination increases the risk attached to multiple changes, particularly on the back four where coordination is essential against a quick South Korean attack.
Practical details matter to supporters and bettors alike: a Sánchez start would signal a plan to match pace on the flank; a Mora inclusion would hint at a more conservative midfield-to-defense shuffle; and the goalkeeper choice will tell you whether Aguirre values experience or feels compelled to back the younger option despite early jitters.
The unresolved question is straightforward and consequential: will Aguirre make the right-back switch to Sánchez and deploy the defensive replacement he prefers, or will he opt for continuity despite the speed mismatch? The final XI — revealed at kickoff — will answer that, but everything in the run-up points toward at least one change meant to blunt South Korea’s pace.
