Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to book their place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Friday.
A second-half strike from midfielder Luis Romo proved decisive as Mexico secured qualification as Group A winners with a game to spare, delighting a passionate home crowd and ensuring they remain on home soil for the Round of 32.
The breakthrough came shortly after the restart following a costly error by South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu. Racing out to claim a high ball, Kim collided with a team-mate and spilled possession straight to Romo, who calmly poked the ball into an empty net to spark wild celebrations among the Mexican supporters.
The result leaves Mexico comfortably atop Group A and guarantees them a knockout tie in Mexico City against one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
While Romo’s goal settled the contest, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel played a crucial role in preserving the lead. The Guadalajara-born shot-stopper produced a superb double save in the closing stages as South Korea mounted a late assault in search of an equaliser.
Both sides entered the match knowing that victory would secure rapid progress to the knockout rounds. Mexico manager Javier Aguirre made three changes to the side that defeated South Africa 2-0 in their opening match, while South Korea boss Hong Myung-bo largely retained the team that came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1.
South Korea nearly struck first after 15 minutes when captain Son Heung-min lifted the ball over Rangel. However, defender Edson Álvarez spectacularly cleared with a bicycle kick on the goal line. Although the offside flag was eventually raised against Son, replays suggested the decision was extremely tight.
Mexico responded through Julián Quiñones, who forced Kim into an excellent save with a powerful header. Yet the remainder of the first half belonged largely to South Korea, who enjoyed lengthy spells of possession without seriously troubling the Mexican defence.
The home supporters voiced their frustration at the interval, but their mood changed dramatically five minutes into the second half when Romo capitalised on Kim’s costly mistake.
In a surprise tactical move, Hong withdrew talisman Son before the hour mark and introduced Hwang Hee-chan in an attempt to inject greater attacking urgency. However, South Korea struggled to create clear-cut opportunities until the closing moments, when Rangel’s heroics ensured Mexico held firm.
Mexico will conclude their group campaign against the Czech Republic in what is now a dead rubber, while South Korea face South Africa in a decisive encounter that will determine who joins the hosts in the knockout stages.
Earlier in the day, South Africa and the Czech Republic played out a 1-1 draw, leaving the battle for second place finely poised heading into the final round of fixtures.
