Mexico became the first team to book a place in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup after defeating South Korea in Guadalajara.
The co-hosts maintained their perfect record in the competition and guaranteed progression from Group A with one match still to play. The success also ensured Javier Aguirre’s side would finish at the top of the group standings.
As a result, Mexico will remain in Mexico City for both their round-of-32 match and a possible last-16 encounter. Should England top their own group and win their opening knockout fixture, the two nations could meet later in the tournament.
While the home side celebrated qualification, South Korea remained firmly in contention thanks to the victory they recorded against the Czech Republic in their opening match.
Romo capitalises on costly defensive error
The decisive moment arrived five minutes after the interval following a mix-up in the South Korean penalty area.
Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu lost control of the ball after colliding with teammate Lee Gi-hyuk, allowing Luis Romo to react quickest and finish into an unguarded net.
The match had struggled to come alive before the break, with Mexico’s supporters expressing their frustration by booing the team as the players left the field at halftime.
Despite a more energetic second-half display, Aguirre’s men were unable to add significantly to their advantage, although Romo’s goal ultimately proved enough to secure all three points.
South Korea push for an equaliser
The visitors came closest to scoring late in the contest. In the 87th minute, Cho Gue-sung directed a header on target from close range, but Raul Rangel produced an important stop.
The rebound then fell to Yang Hyun-jun, whose follow-up attempt was also denied by the Mexican goalkeeper as the hosts preserved their lead.
Earlier in the match, captain Son Heung-min thought he had created a clear opening after lifting the ball beyond Rangel, but Edson Alvarez cleared the danger before the move was halted for offside.
Those missed opportunities proved costly for South Korea, who was unable to find a way back into the game despite applying pressure in the closing stages.
Mexico finish strongly and look ahead
Mexico nearly doubled their advantage midway through the second half when Raul Jimenez tested Kim from a difficult angle, but the South Korean goalkeeper responded with a save.
Substitute Obed Vargas also threatened before the final whistle, forcing Kim into another impressive stop with a powerful effort.
The victory leaves Mexico in complete control of Group A heading into their final group-stage fixture against the Czech Republic in Mexico City.
South Korea’s next challenge comes against South Africa in Monterrey. With qualification still within reach, they will look to build on the positive position created by their opening-match triumph.