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Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in their Group A clash at Estadio Guadalajara on Friday.
A second-half strike from Luis Romo proved decisive as Mexico claimed their second consecutive victory of the tournament, moving to six points and guaranteeing qualification for the round of 32 with a game to spare.
After a goalless first half, Romo broke the deadlock five minutes after the restart, capitalising on a costly goalkeeping error to put Javier Aguirre’s side ahead.
South Korea struggled to create clear-cut opportunities for much of the contest but pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages.
Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel played a crucial role in preserving the lead, producing a remarkable double save in the 88th minute to deny Cho Gue-sung from close range. The intervention proved pivotal as South Korea failed to find a breakthrough.
Raúl Jiménez also came close to doubling Mexico’s advantage in the second half, forcing an excellent save from goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu after connecting with a well-worked move.
South Korea mounted sustained pressure in stoppage time and came closest through defender Han-Beom Lee, who headed wide from a corner deep into added time. The miss summed up a frustrating evening for the Asian side, who remain without a point after two matches.
The victory sparked celebrations among home supporters, with Mexico becoming the first nation to officially book a place in the knockout rounds of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Mexico now sit comfortably at the top of Group A and will look to maintain their perfect record in their final group-stage fixture, while South Korea face a must-win encounter if they are to keep their qualification hopes alive.
