Mexico Edge South Korea to Seal First Knockout Spot at FIFA World Cup 2026

Zapopan: Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to book a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea at Guadalajara Stadium on Friday.

A second-half strike from Luis Romo proved decisive as Mexico clinched top spot in Group A with one match still remaining. The midfielder capitalised on a costly error by South Korean goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu shortly after the break, while Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel produced two outstanding late saves to preserve the lead.

The result guarantees Mexico a place in the Round of 32, where Javier Aguirre’s men will face a third-placed team from Groups C, E, F, H, or I in Mexico City on June 30. South Korea remain second in the group with three points, while Czechia and South Africa are still in contention with one point each.

Mexico will conclude their group-stage campaign against Czechia, while South Korea take on South Africa on June 25.

Backed by a passionate home crowd, Mexico looked eager to assert themselves early in the second half. Jesus Gallardo tested the South Korean defence soon after the restart with a low effort that struck the side netting. Moments later, Mexico found the breakthrough when a misunderstanding between Kim Seung-gyu and defender Lee Gihyuk left the ball loose in the box, allowing Romo to calmly slot into an empty net in the 50th minute.

South Korea had threatened first in the opening half through captain Son Heung-min, who lofted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper after 15 minutes. However, Edson Álvarez spectacularly cleared the effort off the line with a bicycle kick. Although the offside flag was eventually raised, replays suggested the decision was extremely close.

Mexico also came close before the interval when Julian Quinones forced a strong save with a powerful header. South Korea then enjoyed a spell of possession but struggled to create meaningful openings despite controlling much of the tempo.

Kim Seung-gyu redeemed himself partially in the 75th minute with a superb point-blank save to deny Raul Jimenez. However, Mexico held firm, and in the closing stages Rangel produced a remarkable double stop from Cho Gue-sung and Yang Hyun-jun to ensure the hosts claimed all three points and became the first team to advance to the knockout rounds.

With inputs from IANS

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