Mexico became the first nation to secure a place in the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging South Korea 1-0 in Guadalajara to maintain their perfect start to the tournament.
A second-half goal from midfielder Luis Romo proved decisive as Javier Aguirre’s side booked their place in the last 32 and confirmed themselves as Group A winners.
Romo capitalised on a defensive mix-up in the 50th minute, tapping into an empty net after South Korea goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu spilled the ball following a collision with defender Lee Gi-hyuk.
The match had been short on clear-cut opportunities in the opening half, prompting frustrated home supporters to boo the Mexican side off the pitch at the interval.
South Korea threatened to take the lead earlier when captain Son Heung-min delicately chipped goalkeeper Raul Rangel, only for Edson Alvarez to race back and clear the ball off the line. However, the Tottenham star had already been flagged offside.
The co-hosts nearly doubled their advantage midway through the second half, but veteran striker Raul Jimenez was denied from a tight angle by Kim, who also produced an impressive diving save to keep out substitute Obed Vargas late in the contest.
The visitors pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages and came agonisingly close in the 87th minute. Cho Gue-sung’s close-range header was brilliantly saved by Rangel, who then reacted quickly to deny Yang Hyun-jun from the rebound.
Despite South Korea’s late pressure, Mexico held firm to register a second consecutive victory and become the first team to officially seal passage to the knockout phase of the expanded tournament.
