Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to book a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after grinding out a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in Guadalajara.
With a passionate home crowd urging them on, Javier Aguirre’s side secured a second consecutive win thanks to midfielder Luis Romo, whose 50th-minute strike proved decisive in a tense Group A encounter.
The breakthrough came after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk, allowing Romo to tap into an empty net and send the home fans into celebration.
South Korea pushed hard for an equaliser and came agonisingly close late in the game. Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel, who then reacted quickly to deny Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound.
Earlier, South Korean captain Son Heung-min thought he had opened the scoring after cleverly chipping Rangel, but Edson Alvarez raced back to clear the ball off the line before the goal was eventually ruled out for offside.
Despite being booed by sections of the crowd at half-time following a sluggish first-half display, Mexico responded strongly after the break and nearly doubled their lead in the 75th minute. However, veteran striker Raul Jimenez was denied from a tight angle by Kim.
Substitute Obed Vargas also threatened late on, forcing another impressive save from the South Korean goalkeeper as Mexico searched for a second goal.
The victory preserves Mexico’s perfect start to the tournament and confirms them as Group A winners, making them the first team to advance to the knockout rounds of the expanded 2026 World Cup.
As group winners, Mexico will play their Round of 32 match and a potential Round of 16 fixture in Mexico City, where excitement is already building over the possibility of a high-profile clash with England should both teams progress.
For South Korea, defeat was disappointing but not disastrous. The Asian side remain in a strong position to qualify for the next round after their opening victory over the Czech Republic.
South Korea will now face South Africa in Monterrey on Thursday, while Mexico return to action against the Czech Republic in Mexico City, looking to maintain their winning momentum heading into the knockout stage.
