Gustavo Tejera named referee for Mexico v South Korea in World Cup Group A clash

Uruguay’s Gustavo Tejera has been confirmed as the referee for Mexico’s World Cup 2026 Group A meeting with South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium, a match that could see one nation become the first side to mathematically secure a place in the Round of 32.

Both teams arrive on the back of opening-match victories. Co-hosts Mexico defeated South Africa in the tournament’s curtain-raiser, while South Korea — the Taegeuk Warriors — overcame the Czech Republic. A second consecutive win for either side would clinch qualification from the group stage.

Tejera, 38, became a FIFA-approved referee in 2018, four years after turning professional. An insurance broker by trade, he has officiated in 344 matches, the majority in his native Uruguay, but also carries experience in the Saudi Pro League and international competitions including the Copa America and CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. He has issued 1,733 yellow cards across his career, averaging just over five per match — a figure that underlines his reputation as a no-nonsense official.

Fellow Uruguayans Carlos Barreiro and Nicolás Taran will serve as assistant referees, with Colombia’s Andres Rojas appointed as fourth official. Should Tejera be unable to continue, Rojas’s compatriot Alexander Guzman is on standby as reserve assistant referee.

Mexico’s record at Guadalajara Stadium is modest heading into the fixture, with only one win in their previous three outings at the venue — a friendly against the United States in October 2024. Against Asian opposition at World Cups, however, El Tri have a markedly stronger record, winning five encounters overall and claiming their last four by a margin of two goals or more.