Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to book a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 1-0 win over South Korea in Guadalajara on Thursday, June 18.
Luis Romo scored the only goal of the match five minutes into the second half, helping Javier Aguirre’s side maintain their perfect start to the tournament and secure top spot in Group A with a game to spare.
The goal came after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled a loose ball following a collision with defender Lee Gi-hyuk. Romo reacted quickest and tapped into an empty net.
South Korea pushed for an equaliser late on, but goalkeeper Raul Rangel produced a crucial double save in the 87th minute, first denying Cho Gue-sung’s header before stopping Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound.
Captain Son Heung-min also thought he had created a scoring chance earlier in the match, but the move was ruled offside after Edson Alvarez cleared his effort off the line.
Mexico struggled to break down South Korea in a quiet first half but improved after the break and created several chances. Raul Jimenez and substitute Obed Vargas both tested Kim, who kept the scoreline respectable with a pair of saves.
The victory guarantees Mexico a place in the knockout rounds and confirms them as Group A winners with six points ahead of their last group game against Czechia.
Despite the defeat, South Korea remains in contention to qualify after winning their opening match against Czechia. They face South Africa in their final group game.
