Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after defeating South Korea 1-0 in their Group A clash on Wednesday. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the co-hosts made it two wins from two matches and guaranteed their progression to the Round of 32.
The decisive moment came early in the second half when Luis Romo capitalised on a defensive mix-up inside the South Korean penalty area. Goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu failed to gather a dangerous cross after colliding with a teammate, allowing Romo to pounce on the loose ball and tap into an empty net in the 50th minute.
Romo's strike puts Mexico in control
The match was closely contested during the opening 45 minutes, with both sides struggling to create clear scoring opportunities. Mexico looked the more composed side after the break and found the breakthrough through Romo's opportunistic finish.
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After taking the lead, Mexico controlled possession and threatened to add a second goal. However, South Korea remained in the contest thanks to several important saves from Kim, who recovered well after his earlier mistake.
Rangel preserves narrow victory
South Korea increased the pressure in the closing stages as they searched for an equaliser. The Asian side came close on multiple occasions, but Mexico goalkeeper Raúl Rangel produced two crucial late saves to keep his clean sheet intact.
🚨 WATCH: Pure scenes as Mexico scores against South Korea! 🇲🇽🤯
— World Cup 2026 (@WorldCupMedia_) June 19, 2026
This is what a World Cup night in Guadalajara looks like. 🔥🏆 pic.twitter.com/tTx30c5S3z
The win lifted Mexico to six points from two matches, ensuring they cannot be caught in Group A and confirming their place in the knockout rounds. Javier Aguirre's men had opened their campaign with a victory over South Africa and now sit comfortably at the top of the standings.
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For South Korea, the defeat was a setback but not a fatal one. They remain in contention for qualification and will have the chance to seal a knockout berth when they face South Africa in their final group-stage match.
Mexico's victory represents another significant moment for the tournament hosts, who have become the first nation to officially qualify for the World Cup knockout stage and will now turn their attention to maintaining momentum ahead of the elimination rounds.
