Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea at a packed Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday.
Luis Romo scored the decisive goal early in the second half as Mexico maintained their perfect start to the tournament and booked a place in the last 32 with one group match still to play.
The victory also guaranteed Mexico top spot in Group A. Javier Aguirre’s side now has six points from two matches after opening their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa.
Finishing first means Mexico will remain on home soil for the next round and will face one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams in Mexico City.
South Korea remain second in the group with three points, while South Africa and the Czech Republic each have one point following their 1-1 draw earlier on Thursday.
Both teams entered the contest knowing that a win would secure qualification, creating a tense atmosphere inside one of the tournament’s most vibrant venues.
Goalkeeping Error Decides Tight Contest
South Korea created the first major moment of the match after 15 minutes. Captain Son Heung-min lifted the ball over goalkeeper Raul Rangel, only for Edson Alvarez to clear spectacularly off the goal line with an overhead kick.
Although the assistant referee later raised the flag for offside, television replays suggested the decision was extremely close.
Mexico gradually grew into the game. Julian Quinones, who scored the opening goal of the World Cup against South Africa, forced goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu into an impressive save with a powerful header.
Despite enjoying more possession during the first half, South Korea struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The lack of attacking threat frustrated neither side more than the Mexican supporters, who responded with jeers at the halftime whistle.
The breakthrough arrived five minutes after the restart.
Kim rushed out to claim a high ball but collided with one of his own defenders. The ball spilled loose inside the penalty area and Romo reacted quickest, calmly poking it into an empty net.
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the home crowd and shifted the momentum firmly in Mexico’s favour.
Rangel Preserves Historic Victory
South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo responded by introducing Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Hwang Hee-chan and surprisingly withdrawing veteran star Son before the hour mark.
The change failed to produce an immediate impact. However, South Korea pushed hard in the closing stages and nearly rescued a point.
Guadalajara-born goalkeeper Raul Rangel emerged as Mexico’s hero. He produced a superb double save in the dying minutes to preserve the lead and send the home fans into celebration.
Mexico have now reached the knockout rounds of every World Cup they have hosted, reinforcing their reputation as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers on home soil.
They will conclude their group campaign against the Czech Republic, while South Korea face South Africa in a crucial match that could determine the second qualification spot from Group A.
